Toddlers being treated at Airedale General Hospital can now play outside safely at the Child Development Centre thanks to a fundraising campaign inspired by a special young patient.

Three-year-old Paddy Stell, who has Down’s syndrome, was a regular visitor and his family decided to help others by replacing a condemned slide and climbing frame in its playground.

An opening ceremony was held in the playground to thank Paddy’s mum, Becci Gunning, of Thwaites Brow Road, Keighley, for raising £2,000 from events held by pubs and teams.

Bridget Thompson, principal paediatric physiotherapist at the centre, said: “We are really grateful to Paddy’s family and the local community for their generous effort which will make such a difference to the lives of so many of the children who visit us. We are also delighted with donations we received from a local charity and Friends of Airedale.’’