Santa, Superman and Batman make stop to Royal Hobart Hospital

Andy Baxter and son, Hamish, have spent every Christmas morning at the Royal Hobart Hospital for the last 20 years. Find out what he has learnt.

Jaydah Duggan-Ford had her stay in hospital on Christmas Day brightened by a visit by Andy Baxter (Santa hat, below) and his team of volunteers. Pictures: Bridget Clarke

When Andy Baxter first donned a costume at the Royal Hobart Hospital, little did he expect to kick off a 20-year-long tradition.

Along with his son Hamish, Mr Baxter delivers chocolates, gifts and some much-needed cheer to the children’s ward every Christmas.

“When Hamish started doing it when he was three, he handed out the chocolates and I dressed up, but as he’s gotten bigger I decided we would switch,” he explained.

“This evolution has happened and it’s beautiful.”

Santa and Batman — or nine-year-old Harvey Chrichton — joined the duo this year.

Having lived “a very fortunate life,” Mr Baxter said he wanted to teach his son that “Christmas wasn’t all about opening presents.”

“It’s been very humbling,” he said.

“The smile you get from the staff, patients and families is just remarkable.”

Among the 17 patients he visited on Wednesday was 12-year-old Jaydah Duggan-Ford, who last Friday experienced an unusual injury.

“I was sitting on a fish tank waiting for the bus and fell straight through,” she said.

The Royal Hobart Hospital children’s ward welcomed some special guests on Christmas Day to deliver some much-needed festive cheer. Picture: Bridget Clarke

Emergency surgery and an indefinite hospital admission followed.

“I got a bit upset because I was going to be in here for Christmas but I get to go out for a bit today, which is exciting,” she said from her hospital bed, pointing to the leg brace which covered her 30cm-long scar.

“I’m feelings heaps better and the nurses have been so caring trying to get me out of here.”

Grandmother Tracy Ford said while her family was “pretty upset”, the staff and volunteers had been “absolutely brilliant”.

“We can’t fault them,” she said.

On what he learnt over two decades of volunteering, Mr Baxter said it was to “acknowledge and appreciate the great things you have in life”.

“Sometimes unfortunate things can happen to you that are completely out of your control,” he said.

“But having a willingness to give back to the community, whether it’s Christmas Day or rattling charity tins, is always a good thing.”

Originally published as Santa, Superman and Batman make stop to Royal Hobart Hospital