Christmas Tradition Ends Due To Young Onset Dementia
- admin1356
- Dec 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2024
On Christmas Day in 2013, Malcom Main, Carpenter at North Shore Hospital first brought joy to Auckland’s North Shore Hospital.
Mal donned his Santa suit, and with a loud HO HO HO and Christmas greetings he surprised patients, visitors, and staff on duty. He visited all wards and staff areas throughout the tower block, handing out sweets to everyone. He was accompanied by his wife Jan, who also worked at North Shore Hospital.
The staff were delighted and there were many group photos. Visitors and patients alike also loved the opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa on Christmas Day.
The last place children wanted to be on Christmas day was in hospital visiting friends and family. The delight on their faces when Santa popped out of the stairwell, around a corner or was seen getting out of a lift will always be remembered.
Mal recalls many highlights, particularly seeing tears in the eyes of patients who were on their own at Christmas. One Christmas day there were photos with 4 sets of newborn twins in SCBU and a request to have a family group photo at the bedside of their loved one who was close to death.
Both Mal and Jan found this an extremely rewarding experience, and it became a tradition that continued year after year! Staff would eagerly look forward to his visits on Christmas Day.
In addition to Christmas Day and visits to the hospital, Mal had his own Santa Chair and loaned it out for many years for a special Christmas display in the foyer at North Shore Hospital.
Unfortunately, in early 2024 Mal received a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia. It has been a very challenging year for both Jan and Mal as they adjust to a new life, living with Dementia.
Not only did he have to take early retirement, but he also reluctantly had to hang up his Santa suit and sack which was a difficult decision for him. Being Santa and bringing joy to others was incredibly special to him. But he became worried that he may get lost in the hospital - the very hospital where he spent 17 years carrying out maintenance work. He takes away with him special memories of friendships with colleagues.
Malcom has kindly donated the Santa chair built by himself to the Well Foundation who will continue providing a special Christmas for patients and visitors going forward.
Article written and supplied by Jan & Mel
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