Apprentices help light up children’s hospice

Power apprentices have lit up the lives of youngsters at a children’s hospice by spending hours putting up festive lights on the building and in the garden.

The group of eight UK Power Networks apprentices and three other employees from Risby, Norwich, Downham Market and Kings Lynn spent the day at The Nook, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH) near Norwich – and their teamwork got the job done in seven hours instead of several days.

With the aid of two mobile elevated platforms they were able to erect lights up to the roof of the building.

Then they added strings of lights outside and other Christmas decorations and illuminated animals. 

The apprentices came together under the company’s Donate A Day scheme which gives staff the opportunity to be paid for two volunteer days a year

Debbie Parker from EACH said: “A big thank you to our amazing volunteers from UK Power Networks.

“It normally takes two weeks to set everything up and we have never had the option of putting lights at higher levels.

“The volunteers made easy work of it, putting everything up in a day, they even brought along two of their mobile cherry picker hoists so we now have lights in our trees and highlighting the outline of the building.

“We’ve had so many wonderful comments already.”

Guy Cannon, engineering trainees team leader at the power company said: “Our apprentices enthusiastically took on the challenge of installing all the Christmas lights in a single day.

“Their teamwork and dedication ensured that the hospice is beautifully decorated. 

“Witnessing the team work tirelessly to complete every task was gratifying.

“Seeing the Christmas lights illuminated at night brought a sense of accomplishment and joy to everyone involved.”

If you or someone in your household is considered vulnerable you could join the Priority Services Register to receive extra support during power cuts.

Learn more about eligibility and sign up at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services