Patients at both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals this week enjoyed a visit from two tiny, beautiful therapy ponies.

'Wish upon a Star' dropped into Ormskirk to spend time with the young patients on the children’s ward and those waiting in A&E.

Children waited nicely to take a turn stroking the tiny horse and to take her for a little walk; Blondie then dropped by Southport, where staff made an enormous effort to bring patients from the intensive care unit down the Garden of Reflection, to spend time with the therapy pony.

Juliette Cosgrove, head of nursing, midwifery and therapies explains: “Having therapy animals meet our patients and staff really puts a smile on people’s faces. One patient in particular had not really communicated with staff until she met little Blondie – it was the most anyone had seen her smile in sometime.

“We have recently been lucky to have therapy dogs visit on several occasions and they are really popular too, with staff and patients. But these little ponies were really something special. We look forward to seeing them again very soon.”

The ponies were kindly brought to the Trust by KL Pony Therapy, and the Trust would like to say a heartfelt thank you for this.