While many children across the Hunter are enjoying the freedom of school holidays, spare a thought for the little ones forced to spend their time in hospital due to injury or illness.

On Wednesday, 14 July 2010 at 11am, however, patients at John Hunter Children's Hospital will be treated to a big surprise.

Thanks to Christine Dunstan Productions and Tall Stories Theatre Company a very special creature - an imaginery monster called The Gruffalo - will make a grand entrance when he makes a special visit.

Many children currently admitted to hospital will have read The Gruffalo, one of the most popular story books in the world. The Gruffalo has won multiple awards including Smarties Book Prize and was voted best bedtime story by listeners of BBC radio.

The musical play, which will be playing at the Civic Theatre, has been reproduced from the original London production that played to sell-out audiences in the West End and Broadway.

On 14 July, prior to The Gruffalo, Mouse and Snake's entrance to the Starlight Room, Captain Starlight will read the story book to patients. At the conclusion of the reading, the characters will jump into the room and surprise the children.

Following their visit to the Starlight Room the characters will make one special visit to the Children's Medical Ward, where they will present tickets to their show to huge Gruffalo fan, 4-year-old Ivy Tregenza.

Ivy is currently in John Hunter Children's Hospital fighting an infection, she is a regular visitor to the hospital with an immune deficiency condition.

The Children's Medical Ward is a home away from home for Ivy, she is in hospital once a week for the Out and About Therapy program, once every three weeks for Intravenous Immunoglobulin to boost her immune system and is admitted for long term stays when her immune system is compromised.

Having this condition has not stopped Ivy and her mother Tiffany from raising awareness and funds for John Hunter Children's Hospital.

On the day of her current admission Ivy was on the way to hospital with her mum to donate over $7,000 to the Children's Medical Ward, but before she could make the donation Ivy was rushed to the emergency department, struck down with an infection.

This visit will be an extra special one for Ivy, not only will she get to meet some of her favourite story book characters, she will also receive tickets to the show.

Media Opportunity:
When: Wednesday 14 July, 2010 at 10:50am
What: The Gruffalo, Mouse and Snake present patient Ivy Tregenza with tickets to their show at Civic Theatre.
Where: John Hunter Children's Hospital

Media inquiries:
Lucas Coleman - 02 4921 3844, 0407 895101 (ref HNE- 2311)