A hospital with a difference. Photos: Facebook

260 000 Sick children are treated at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital each year. For sick youngsters the experience must be daunting. A R1 million paint job on the exterior aims to change this.

Thanks to a fresh coat of paint, adorned with graffiti, the six-storey hospital now looks inviting. Greg Bertish, founder of The Little Optimist that raised the funds, scaled the hospital’s walls himself yesterday dressed in a zany zebra suit in order to paint hopeful messages. Down below on the ground, former patients painted their messages of hope.

Greg Bertish with a former patient.

Be fantastic
Painting the exterior of the hospital, that Bertish describes as being the “size of two rugby fields,” has taken six months. Big and small sponsors donated money and manpower. Yesterday everything came together when the children painted their messages of hope for future patients. “Be Brave,” “Happy is healthy,” “Be Fantastic,” now meet the eye.