Tubridy joins Children in Hospital roadshow

IT HAS been a trying few weeks for Ryan Tubridy. First his baby brother Garrett was voted the 10th sexiest man in Ireland by Social and Personalmagazine while Ryan languished in 19th place.

Then the RTÉ broadcaster was forced to release a statement pointing out that he had made a substantial donation to St Vincent de Paul instead of taking a pay cut. But those little irritants were swept aside yesterday when he visited Our Lady’s children’s hospital in Crumlin.

Nursing staff and volunteers cooed as children climbed all over him and burst balloons behind him. A little boy, Dean, attached himself to Tubridy’s gangly leg and refused to let go.

“He’s very good with the children,” said an impressed onlooker. “And the mammies don’t mind him either,” remarked a blonde woman wearing a volunteers’ T-shirt.

The broadcaster was there to launch the Children in Hospital Ireland’s roadshow which will be one of the biggest-ever events for sick children and their families.

The roadshow will visit all 26 hospitals where children are cared for in the next two months. It will bring entertainment, magic and presents to sick children, as well as information for parents. All hospitals will also receive a gift to encourage play.

Children in Hospital Ireland’s Mary O’Connor said it was the first time the roadshow was organised and it was being funded by the National Children’s Nurseries Association. “It’s an idea I’ve had for years. We would love to do it every year if we had the money,” she said.

Geraldine Regan, director of nursing at Crumlin said sick children benefited hugely from play. There are nine play specialists at her hospital and they prepare children for procedures such as having a drip inserted or getting a blood test.

“This is a difficult, hostile environment for a child and play helps people put sense on their world.”

The roadshow will visit the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire today and will travel to the midlands next week.

• Roadshow information at www.childreninhospital.ie