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Operations and illnesses were momentarily forgotten yesterday as patients at Starship Children's Health celebrated a very loud and sugary Christmas.
Young patients, past and present, met Santa and a host of celebrities, and were treated to bags full of presents, lollies and chocolate.
Eight-year-old twins Gary and Will Kukutai of Kaitaia have been visiting the hospital since babies because of a hereditary heart condition.
While they enjoyed yesterday's party, their seven-month-old cousin was undergoing heart surgery.
The twins' mum Caroline Kukutai said the party was "a real treat" for all the children.
"It's such a big deal for them and it's so great to see all the smiles on the kids' faces," said Mrs Kukutai. "I just feel sorry for the doctors and nurses who have to put up with them later."
Seven-year-old Emma Jones of Papamoa, who is a heart patient and visits the hospital only occasionally now, sat still for long enough to tell the Weekend Herald that Jingle Bells was her favourite part of the Starship show.
The children also met Starship's newly-revealed mascot, Captain Starship, for the first time. He joined Santa and celebrities including the stars of Shortland Street and Outrageous Fortune, New Zealand Breakers basketball players, and dancing stars Shane Cortese and Nerida Lister.
The children were treated to a rock show, Christmas carols and a performance by songstress Hollie Smith, not to mention an early Christmas present each.
