A man has made his 16th annual Christmas toy delivery to children on a hospital ward.

Frank Charles delivered the toys to Acorn ward at Whipps Cross hospital on Monday, December 23.

Frank toured the ward giving gifts to children, as well as offering children the opportunity to hold the Olympic torch with which Frank ran in Redbridge in 2012.

Frank established the Frank Charles Give A Gift Appeal in 2004 to “brighten” the hospital experience for children

Frank was inspired by his first son Ashley, who passed away at 23-months from a rare bowel disorder, Hirschsprung’s Disease.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Frank Charles with the Olympic torch and a child on the ward.

He also knows what it's like to be a child in hospital over Christmas, having spent much of his early life in hospital because of the same disease.

In honour of his son, Frank continues to visit the hospital each year despite being diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and cancer of the bone marrow in 2010.

Frank said: "I come to Whipps Cross each year in memory of my first son, Ashley. I want to give something back to the hospital who looked after him, as well as bring gifts to the children and parents to make an uncertain time easier."

Ghislaine Stephenson, associate director of nursing at Acorn Ward, Whipps Cross hospital, said: "It was wonderful to welcome Frank back again this Christmas; he's a true friend of Whipps Cross and a bit of a celebrity these days!

"The smiles on the faces of our children and young people when they received their presents shows just how much Give A Gift means to them. It's a fantastic, local charity and all of us here are grateful to Frank and his many donors for helping to make Christmas magical."

Jon O’Shea, chairman of chartered accountants Haslers who donated gifts, added: “It was a real honour to be joining Frank again as he makes his annual trip to the hospital. Every year we visit we are greeted by smiles and thanks from the nurses, doctors and patients who are so appreciative of the donations.

“Everyone at Haslers gets excited about the appeal every year and we are always blown away by the amount raised for the appeal. I hope we continue to enjoy this fantastic relationship with Frank well into the future.”