FUNDRAISERS have smashed a £250,000 appeal to buy toys and extra comforts for children’s wards in Bradford Royal Infirmary’s new £28 million wing.

Its wishlist included networked electronic games and devices, equipping a multi-sensory room with more sensory toys, an activity room and diner, beds for parents so they can stay with their children, groovy children’s bedding and curtains and furnishings for a teen Chill-out Zone.

Beccy Bardgett, consultant paediatrician from Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, said: “The amount raised so far is fantastic and it is thanks to the efforts of the generous people of the Bradford district as well as staff, patients and their families, and we are so grateful.

“The funds raised will be used to improve the patient and family experience and enhance the environment of our new paediatric unit, which will be based in our new hospital wing and it will make a tremendous difference to what we can achieve in making the unit a home from home.”

Organisers behind the appeal are so delighted with the public’s support they have celebrated the success by setting up a follow-up appeal inspired by one of the ward’s youngest patients, Axl Walker, aged one, who developed a rare condition before birth and a hole in his heart.

Axl’s devastated parents Claire Gearie and Ian Walker were told to prepare for the worst when he was diagnosed with, CDA (congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia), a rare blood disorder resulting from a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body, and a less than normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood.

According to Claire there are only 300 cases of CDA known worldwide. She said although they did not know the cause, tests were currently being carried out on the family’s blood samples by researchers in Oxford.

Axl has already proved he is a little fighter but next April is due to have a bone marrow transplant from his dad.

Regular blood transfusions mean that Axl has become part of the family among staff on Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Ward 17 and it is in his honour that Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity has launched Axl’s Toy Fund.

The Fund is seeking donations so staff are able to purchase toys and equipment, such as special sensory toys, for the children’s wards, as well as fund craft activities, music therapy and entertainment.

Charity fundraiser Hayley Collis said: “We are so grateful to the many, many people who support Bradford Hospital Children’s Charity, especially around Christmas time because their kindness really does make a difference.

“However, sometimes people are unsure about what gifts are appropriate, or how they can help, so that’s why we decided to launch Axl’s Toy Fund to make donating easier for them.

“Encouraging people to make a gift of money will enable us to buy more suitable gifts and toys which can be kept on the wards and in the activity rooms.”

To support The Axl Fund, or for more information, visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/bradfordteachinghospital/axlstoyfund2016-bhcc or call 01274 274809.