Shiner brings smiles to children over Christmas

A self-confessed Royal Navy loud-mouth has achieved what for him is an amazing feat – keeping schtum for 24 hours.

Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) George ‘Shiner’ Wright, embarked on a sponsored silence to raise money for the Children’s Happy Hospital Fund, which supports the Children’s ward at Derriford Hospital. 

The enterprising Geordie managed to continue his job at HMS Raleigh as a fitness instructor, using flash cards to communicate the orders to new recruits.

Through his silence and other fundraising throughout the year, LPT Wright raised £1,654, which he delivered to the ward, along with selection boxes for the children.

Shiner said: “I am known as a bit of a loud-mouth and I can’t really help myself. Everywhere I go I like to engage in benign chatter about nothing of any real relevance, other than to hear my quality Geordie accent. Keeping quiet for 24 hours was hard. I’m sure everyone was disappointed that I couldn’t bark orders or missed my inspirational words of encouragement, or maybe they just enjoyed the peace.”

LPT Wright was inspired into action after his baby daughter, Megan, was admitted to the ward on Boxing Day in 2010. This is the fourth Christmas that he has offered his support to the Children’s ward and is his second sponsored silence.

He said:  “Megan was rushed into hospital suffering from bronchitis, which was really scary at the time. I was surprised to see how many children spend Christmas in hospital. Megan recovered well from the bronchitis, but still suffers from asthma, so we’ve visited the hospital a few times since. I wanted to do what I could to make Christmas as special as I could for the kids in hospital, so since then I’ve done what I can to support the ward.”  Shiner's donation

Jo Cross, Play Specialist, said: “Every year, we are overwhelmed with the kind donations that Shiner brings to the Children’s Ward at Derriford Hospital. Not only did he present a cheque this year, he gave us many selection boxes for the children, which I am sure will bring a massive smile to their faces. We really can’t thank him enough for all of his support.”

Money raised by LPT Wright in previous years has helped to fund new flooring in the playroom and buy new toys.

Anyone wishing to sponsor LPT Wright, can do so online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ShinerWright which remains open for three months.