A firefighter at Stansted Airport has helped bring some Easter joy to hundreds of children thanks to the “egg-traordinary” generosity of companies and people at the airport and from the surrounding community.

East Anglian Daily Times: Stansted Airport firefighter Simon Phillips delivering some of the Easter eggs collected from local businesses and people to Colchester Hospital.Stansted Airport firefighter Simon Phillips delivering some of the Easter eggs collected from local businesses and people to Colchester Hospital. (Image: Archant)

Simon Phillips, who lives in Halstead and has been a firefighter with White Watch at Stansted for nearly nine years, collected nearly 1,300 Easter eggs from big-hearted businesses and individuals which were then donated to hospitals and children’s charities across Essex and Hertfordshire.

This is the fourth year Simon has taken on the challenge of the annual egg collection to help bring a smile to the faces children unable to be at home for Easter or facing family hardship.

Speaking after completing a week of egg deliveries, Simon said: “This year I have had an absolutely amazing response from companies and staff right across the airport as well as the local community, including local supermarkets, and as a result, nearly 1,300 Easter eggs have been delivered in the last week to hundreds of children from Braintree to Basildon, Harlow to Southend and Bishop’s Stortford to Chelmsford and Colchester.

“Helping bring some Easter cheer to children not having the best of times is a very worthwhile cause but I’m still amazed and overwhelmed by the support and generosity I’ve received from such a wide and diverse range of people and businesses.

East Anglian Daily Times: Stansted Airport firefighter Simon Phillips delivering some of the Easter eggs collected from local businesses and people to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.Stansted Airport firefighter Simon Phillips delivering some of the Easter eggs collected from local businesses and people to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. (Image: Archant)

“Not only were there donations from all over the airport, I was also supported by colleagues at Essex County Fire & Rescue, RPC Promens Halstead and so many of the great people of Essex. I even received eggs from a Portuguese motorcycle club based in London as well as the local lollipop lady in Halstead!”