CHILDREN suffering from serious illnesses received some much needed Christmas cheer as Batman once again visited the wards at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mike Skilbeck, 37, dressed as Batman, visited children at Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s Riverbank Ward and the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham which helps families who have children undergoing treatment for serious illnesses.

This is the fourth year in a row Mr Skilbeck has visited the wards, meeting families and children and handing out presents.

Mr Skilbeck, from Warndon, handed out teddy bears to children with the support of his wife Kellie, 39 and his son Clay, 14.

He has spent the last few weeks raising funds to buy the bears from The Works in Worcester, saying: “I thought it would be nice to do something to help families at such a difficult time.”

In total 134 bears were handed out, all bought with donations raised throughout the year.

A total of £500 was raised by Mr Skilbeck, who also handed out sweets and toys on his visit.

Last year Mr Skilbeck, from Warndon, handed out 500 teddies to children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, raising more than £2,000 from donations and charity events throughout the year.

Mr Skilbeck said: “This is our 4th year in a row doing this.

“It started when we saw there was a Batman who used to visit hospitals in London visiting the kids and giving out presents.

“Sadly he passed away and we thought it would be great thing to carry it on locally.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated this year to make a difference to the families in hospital. If people would like to find out more they can go to my Facebook page: Heroes and Legends United to see if they or their relatives have been visited.”

The Riverbank ward is the Worcestershire Royal’s specialist young people’s ward and treats children up to the age of 17.