McDonald’s opens Happy Meal playground in south east London

Ronan Keating officially opened the play area at Ronald McDonald House Evelina in Lambeth Road.

This is one of four new playgrounds the fast food chain has opened at London Ronald McDonald houses.

Ronald McDonald Houses provide a home away from home for families across the UK and abroad who want to remain close to their child while in hospital.

McDonald’s has also donated £250,000 to the houses – which means 10,000 nights there for families in need this December.

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The location of the houses mean families can be at their child’s bedside in a matter of moments – to maintain a degree of normal life.

Dad-of-five Ronan Keating chatted with families at the house to find out what the donation would mean to them.

He said: “It was amazing to hear and see first-hand where the donations from McDonald’s and its customers go.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provide a vital home away from home when families need it most.

“As a parent I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through what these families do, especially at Christmas, but the support provided by RMHC UK is a lifeline for those that need it.

“Seeing the children laughing and enjoying the playground helps show how vital it is for them to have this kind of outdoor space, so they can feel like themselves.”

The playground features an activity course, pyramid den, interactive wall and activity table.

The Evelina London House area has been designed to help promote both physical and cognitive development.

They are available all children staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses, as well as their siblings in hospital, who often visit the Houses when they are well enough.

The average family stay is 17 nights, costing the charity £400. Jon Haward, Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK said: “Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free, ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families who need to stay close to their child when they’re in hospital far from home.

“We have 12 Houses across the UK, and without this vital service, families would often have to travel hundreds of miles or stay in expensive accommodation.

“For those going through such a difficult time, our Houses give a sense of normality, with kitchens, living areas, and now thanks to McDonald’s; playgrounds.

“We know that both the children at the hospital and their siblings will love being outdoors and being able to play together.”

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