Paw Patrol help charity spread health message to Harlow hospital’s young patients

YOUNGSTERS know that the Paw Patrol are good at protecting the community; and when the kids’ favourites, plus special Disney VIP, Minnie Mouse, visited the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, they were keen to spread the message about protecting teeth and gums when you’re young.

Some of the loveable characters were on hand to help the MCA Trust distribute free toothbrushes as part of its oral health campaign. The charity supports children living with cancer, and on Thursday it arranged a visit to the hospital’s weekly children’s oncology clinic to launch the MCA Fights Plaque Campaign. It handed out free MCA logo toothbrushes and toothpaste packs to children to highlight the fact that chemotherapy and radium can damage cells in the mouth leading to tooth decay and gum problems, and keeping teeth healthy and clean can help reduce symptoms.

Katie Heaphy, from the MCA Trust, said: “We wanted this to be a fun initiative experience for the youngsters, as oral hygiene is so important for all children.”

Vikki Stone, Paediatric Matron, Family and Women’s Services from Princess Alexandra Hospital said: “We were delighted to host the launch of the MCA Fights Plaque campaign here at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Not only was this a generous gesture for our patients, but it was a great way to teach children the importance of teeth brushing to enhance their health. We’re very grateful to the MCA charity or their support of our patients.”