By John Connell

Last updated at 11:43, Saturday, 22 December 2012

A boy who swallowed a coin and a newborn baby girl were among those who received an unexpected Christmas visitor.

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Carlisle mayor David Wilson brought festive cheer to patients at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

He said: “It is nice to bring a little bit of cheer to people who are in hospital, particularly at this time of year.”

Mr Wilson chatted with staff and patients, some of whom will be spending Christmas Day in the hospital. But Mason Garner of Mirehouse in Whitehaven is hoping to be out in time to open his presents.

The six-year-old was messing around with his brother when he swallowed a pound coin which became lodged in his windpipe.

Fortunately his airway was not blocked but he was taken to the infirmary from Whitehaven in case it moved. Nurses joked that there had been “no change in his condition so far”.

Dad Colin, 45, said: “Hopefully he will be home today. When it comes out I’m going to put it in the piggy bank.”

Mason, who appeared in good spirits despite his ordeal, insisted he was going to spend the money on ice cream, once it reappeared.

Emma Beckwith, 21, of Brampton gave birth to Imogen May Gummersall at 2am yesterday morning.

She said: “The mayor’s visit is a total surprise: it’s all a bit surreal.”

Meanwhile, the mayors of Allerdale and Copeland have also been visiting the West Cumberland in Whitehaven. Such visits like this have been happening for at least 50 years.

Ann Farrar, the interim chief executive of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I think it brings a great deal of joy, and it’s lovely for the mayor to say some warm words.” Mike Little, trust chairman, added: “The mayor is the leader of a community and it is only right that we invite him.”

First published at 11:39, Saturday, 22 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk