Gifts for the Rainbow Ward from Clarkes of Walsham Ltd

The Rainbow Ward at the West Suffolk Hospital, has been gifted a series of items from staff at Clarke’s of Walsham Ltd.

The business in the village of Walsham le Willows, which specialises in supplying building, farming and garden materials along with equestrian equipment, clothing, bedding and horse feed, handed over a picnic table, a parasol and base and a range of children’s toys.

Neil Elers, the company director, said many of the staff had benefitted from the care and attention given to their children after they had been admitted to the ward and he said his own daughter Polly, who is now 27, was also a patient when she was one-years-old and was admitted with suspected meningitis.

He added: “Everybody needs or knows someone who has had children who have used the facility and we thought it was the right thing to do to donate the items.

“Members of my staff have used the ward and we wanted to give something back to them.”

That includes Neil Hatton, the operation’s manager, whose young son was cared by the staff on the ward.

The donation of the items was made to the My WiSH Charity, which supports the work of the hospital and they are being used for the upstairs outside space on the ward which is an outside balcony.

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager, said “The ward has recently spruced up the walls and made it a bright space for children to play outside. These lovely items from Clarkes really do enhance the space and we are truly grateful for their kindness”.

Written by Russell Cook for My WiSH Charity

Main photo: Pictured with items donated to the Rainbow Ward at the West Suffolk Hospital are Neil Elers, Clarkes of Walsham director; Tony Bowling, transport manager; Neil Hatten, operation manager; with Steph Pratt, paediatric nursing assistant; and Laura Nudds, play specialist.