Salmon farmer sends a smile to Shetland hospital kids
Cooke buys more than 140 Christmas gifts for young patients
More than 140 toys, games and books have been donated to Shetland’s Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick, by salmon producer Cooke Scotland. The gifts will be distributed to youngsters staying in over the festive period and throughout the new year.
Children waiting in Accident and Emergency, and those in the community with long-term health conditions who need regular care, will also benefit from the donation.
NHS Shetland hospital children’s nurse, Jan Howard, and community children’s nurse, Jenn Henderson, teamed up with staff members of Cooke Scotland for a fourth year to select the gifts from Harry’s Toy Shop in Lerwick.
Howard said: “Some of these children have to go through painful and stressful treatments. We wanted to do something to help but didn’t have the budget. The support from Cooke Scotland is already lifting spirits around the department and the hospital staff, the children and their parents, are all really grateful.”
Maci Williamson, four, was one of the children to benefit from the donation. Howard said: “Maci was delighted to receive the toys, and it made a big difference in helping her settle on to the ward.”
100-plus causes
Cooke, which farms and processes salmon off the mainland of Shetland, Yell and Unst, has supported more than 100 causes across the United Kingdom through its Community Benefit Fund in 2025.
Cooke Scotland environmental officer Stephanie Sinclair helped select the gifts.
She said: “Supporting the communities we live and operate in is vitally important to us, and this NHS toy donation has a special place in all our hearts. We hope the gifts bring the children comfort and a little joy whilst they receive medical care, especially in the lead up to Christmas.”
Bags full of games, dolls, creative craft kits, books, and much more, were donated by Cooke, and Harry’s Toy Shop also gave a 10% discount.
