AN APPEAL to help kit out Bradford’s new paediatric unit when it opens next summer is celebrating a boost of almost £30,000.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, was at Bradford Royal Infirmary yesterday to hand over £28,738.33 raised throughout her civic year.

The cheque was received by chairman of the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity and Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Beccy Bardgett.

The hospital charity has a fundraising goal of £250,000 and so far has £228,000.

The money from Cllr Dodds’ appeal was raised through many events including a councillors versus officers cricket match and an abseil from the top of Margaret McMillan Tower. Generous donations from people attending Bingley Music Live and the Dragon Boat Festival in Roberts Park also helped.

All of the money raised during the mayoral year is being split between the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity and the Spread a Smile appeal. Cllr Dodds set up Spread a Smile to give small grants to smaller groups across the district to enhance their good work without them having to spend extra time raising money.

Dr Beccy Bardgett said: “This is a fantastic amount from the generous people of the Bradford district. The money raised will go a long way towards helping with our target of £250,000. The paediatric unit is due to open in summer 2017 and fundraising still continues.”

Other people at the cheque presentation were Hasan Nazir, who is Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity Ambassador, the charity’s fundraiser Hayley Collis, John Cole and Councillor Dale Smith, who were members of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Committee.

The money will now be used to help make stays at the new unit even more comfortable and young-person friendly. The appeal’s wishlist includes creating a multisensory and physio room with innovative distraction toys and games, a multifunctional play, activity and dining room with robust play facilities, books, toys and games, and a lounge for older children to have space of their own.

The money will also pay for television, entertainment and games consoles at each bed side, free-standing chair beds for parents staying overnight and special lighting and music systems in an assisted bathroom with specialist shower and seating aids.

Visit justgiving.com and search for Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity.