Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s charity ‘dreamdrops’ has received a donation of £1,500 for Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

The money, which was raised by RAF Wyton’s Darts Association, is being used to purchase those little extras to make the children’s stay on the ward more comfortable.

Anne-Marie Hamilton, Chairman of the ‘dreamdrops’ fundraising committee said: “We are extremely grateful to RAF Wyton for their continued support, and for this very generous donation.

“The money will enable us to buy two Etch-a-Sketchs to keep the children occupied when they are ill in bed, plus some much-needed new cot mobiles which can withstand regular cleaning, and also an iPad which will be used not only as a pain distraction, but will also help staff to communicate with patients who cannot communicate verbally/speak English.”

RAF Wyton’s Station Charities Fund Committee works on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Phil Owen organising station charity events. The committee helps to identify local charities and good causes in the local community, with the aim of providing charitable donations.

The money donated was raised through their Darts League which takes place twice a year, with between 18 and 20 players participating in each. Every time a match is played, the players pay £1 to play, along with a series of “fines” throughout the season.  On Finals Night, they also run football cards with half the winnings going to their chosen charity, the last two winners kindly donating their winnings to ‘dreamdrops’.

Warrant Officer Anthony Booth said: “’dreamdrops’ was chosen because we wanted to support a local charity that provides an invaluable service to the community, and with most of the players having small children, the ‘dreamdrops’ charity seemed the obvious choice, and we are proud to support such a worthwhile organisation.”

Money raised through ‘dreamdrops’ is used to provide additional items for the Special Care Baby Unit and Children’s Ward, as well as children who are cared for at home. For further information on how you can help raise funds for the charity please visit www.dreamdropschildrenscharity.org or email dreamdrops.dreamdrops@nhs.net.

Photo: Anne-Marie Hamilton, chairman of dreamdrops, Senior Aircraftman Martyn Eskrett, Staff Sergeant Liam Asquith, Senior Aircraftman Tom New and Senior Aircraftman Richard Stanbridge.