A GROUP of volunteers organised by a worker at Aberystwyth Students’ Union created 280 handmade Christmas cards to bring festive cheer to children and patients spending the holiday period in hospital.

The project, organised by students’ union academic affairs officer Emma Beenham, saw 60 volunteers including Aberystwyth University students and staff and local children make the cards for Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth and Bristol Children’s Hospital.

The cards were then sent to youngsters in the hospitals who had to spend Christmas away from home.

Emma said she set up the project as she had spent a lot of time in hospital herself over the past few years and received “many lovely and thoughtful cards” which cheered her up.

“In previous years I’ve sent Christmas cards to Bristol Children’s Hospital, but this has always been a small solo project,” Emma told the Cambrian News.

“This year I decided to see if I could get anyone to join us.

“I was overwhelmed with the number of volunteers we had come forward.

“With around 60 volunteers, we made a total of 280 Christmas cards over about 50 hours.

“The cards were made by university and students’ union staff and students, as well as two local guiding groups: 1st Penparcau Guides and 1st Llanrhystud Guides.

“We hope that these cards made someone smile over the Christmas period, especially for those people who may not be surrounded by family and friends at this time.”

See this week’s south editions, in shops and online Wednesday