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​Barack Obama Visits Children’s Hospital To Surprise Them As ‘Stand-In Santa’

​Barack Obama Visits Children’s Hospital To Surprise Them As ‘Stand-In Santa’

Obama popped down to Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC.

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Former US president Barack Obama has visited a children's hospital to spread some festive cheer this Christmas as a 'Stand-in Santa'.

Obama popped down to Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC., donning a Santa hat to dish out gifts to sick kids.

Obama then tweeted to wish a Merry Christmas to the 'extraordinary kids, families and staff' that he'd met, thanking them for humouring him as their 'stand-in Santa'.

In a later tweet he added: "There's no better time than the holidays to give back to your community. Yesterday I got to do just that at @ChildrensHealth. As we celebrate the season and look forward to 2019, let's recommit to doing our part to build a world that is a little more generous, tolerant, and kind."

Many social media users praised Obama for his act of kindness, with one writing: "Agree with his policies or not - but never say that the man doesn't care. A great role model for all of us."

Obama became a 'stand-in Santa' for the day.
PA

Someone else wrote: "So that's what a real president looks like class act all the way."

A third commented: "You are an amazing person to do something so special for these kids and their families and the staff. Good example of what is important."

Speaking to a crowd of staff, who had assembled around the nurse's station at the Children's National Hospital, Obama gave a heartfelt shout-out to those caring for the poorly children.

"As a dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation - to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them and looking after them and listening to them and just there for them and holding their hand - that's the most important thing there is," he told them.

"What a great reminder of what the holiday spirit is supposed to be all about."

G'wan Obama, LAD!

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Christmas, World News, Entertainment, Celebrity, News