Children to enjoy frozen magic from previous paediatric patient

A former patient who had her sight saved by the N&N is returning to the hospital as Disney’s Elsa from Frozen to entertain the children.

Children on Buxton Ward are to enjoy some Frozen magic as ‘Elsa’ will ask if they would ‘like to build a snowman’ when she visits the ward in May.

Born at the old Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, two day old Sarah Temple, now a children’s entertainer, was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes meaning Sarah was blind in both eyes and could not respond to any light and movement.

Sarah underwent three operations at NNUH and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to remove the cataracts, and at that time Sarah was one of the first babies to receive this pioneering surgery.

Sarah has now decided to give something back to the hospital which gave her back her sight 30 years ago. Sarah bears a striking resemblance to ‘Elsa’ from the hit Disney movie Frozen and will be visiting the Children’s ward as the much loved childrens’ character as well as making an appearance at the hospital fete in June.

Sarah said “Recently I joined 'Little Dream Parties' and will be making appearances as Elsa from 'Frozen' at children's parties. I've always enjoyed acting, singing and storytelling so I'm delighted to be able to combine these and entertain children. I was very lucky that the Doctors diagnosed the cataracts and helped to give me my eyesight back when I was a small baby, and I wanted to say thank you by giving something back.

“They have not only granted me the gift of sight but it’s thanks to the doctors and surgeons at the hospital that I have been able to successfully complete my BA Honours degree in animation at Norwich University of the Arts.”

Louise Cook, NNUH Fundraising Manager said: “Sarah is working with our Hospital Arts Project to come in and brighten up the lives of our patients. We are so pleased that our doctors were able to help Sarah and her family many years ago.’

Since the operation Sarah has to wear contact lenses and undergoes a yearly eye examination at the hospital.

Note to editors
Sarah will be visiting the hospital at the following times;
• Tuesday 5th May – 10-11am
• Tuesday 12th May – 10-11am
• Tuesday 19th Mary – 10-11am