Firefighters Deliver Toy-Filled Engines to Hospitals for Christmas

Fire crews have delivered multiple fire engines filled with toys to children who are spending the Christmas period in hospital. The “fill-a-fire engine” appeal was initiated three years ago by Daniel McQuillan and his colleague Darren Hutchinson. Mr. McQuillan, who is based at Coventry Community Fire Station, stated that it had been a busy festive season. In recent days, teams have visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the children’s wards at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, where he reported that youngsters were “over the moon.” “Ones that were well enough were allowed to come down sit in the fire engine, press the lights and everything like that,” Mr. McQuillan told BBC Radio CWR. He added, “I love doing it every year it’s fantastic. It’s just nice to give something back.” The appeal was launched by Mr. Hutchinson after his son received treatment in a hospital in Birmingham. “We’re in a very privileged position and we are just the facilitator of this,” Mr. McQuillan further commented. He emphasized that “[The] people who donate and get involved [are] the ones that make the real difference.” He concluded, “We have so many people that get involved [and] every year it seems to get bigger and bigger.” Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.