The Friends of Airedale (FoA) has provided some pre-Christmas cheer to the Children’s Unit, with a donation of £1,500 worth of specialist toys and digital devices.
The bumper package was presented by FoA chairman Alison Dixon following a request by Ward 17 for some much needed sensory and distraction toys. They will be used to help calm children facing tests and treatment on the ward.
The donation included a virtual reality headset, an iPad and range of other specially chosen sensory and fidget toys.
Said ward play leader Karen Reece who, along with ward clerk Jane Barrowdale, received the donation on behalf of the ward: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Friends were able to step in and buy these toys for us. They make such a difference in distracting children who come onto the ward for tests and other procedures – it’s a fantastic result for us.”
Said Alison Dixon: “Presenting much needed equipment and ‘extras’, which the NHS can’t fund, to wards and departments around the hospital, is absolutely the best part of my job! We’re so pleased to have been able to fulfil the Children’s Unit wish for new toys – especially in the run up to Christmas.”