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Brownlees launch Letter from Santa
Primed with suitably festive treats, the boys donned Santa hats to brighten up the days of youngsters on the cystic fibrosis ward at Leeds Children's Hospital. The hospital has set up a special link direct to the North Pole which guarantees Yorkshire children their very own letter from Santa Claus, and helps raise money for sick youngsters at the same time. Our Finance team and Yorkshire Bank volunteer elves work behind the scenes to deliver this.
Alistair, who graduated from our MSc Finance course in July, and his brother, Jonny, were feeling just as delighted by the day as they spoke to us shortly after carrying out their Santa duties: "It's fantastic to be involved in something so positive. All the kids know who Santa is so it's been really nice to be able to be a part of something everyone will remember," says Alistair.
"It's a great time of year, but it's also a time which can be very difficult for families with children and relatives in hospital so if we can help make them happy then that's great," Jonny added.
Speaking about their own Christmas celebrations, Jonny says: "We start with opening presents in the morning, followed by a run and come back to a big sit down meal with the whole family. We really enjoy the family side of Christmas."
Alistair agrees: "Training is much more relaxed around Christmas; we get a chance to wind down with the family."
High up on Alistair and Jonny's Santa lists are an Xbox one console and a remote control helicopter, though ultimately their big dreams lie in the New Year with the Commonwealth Games and Triathlon World Series, which they are both hoping to do well in.
Speaking about the event, Tom Moore,Fundraising Coordinator for Leeds Children's Hospital Appeal, added: "We were delighted and honoured to have had the Brownlee brothers visit the Children's Hospital. This is such a magical promotion and thanks to Leeds Met University and Yorkshire Bank volunteers elves all the income goes directly to making a difference for our young patients and not in administration costs."