Ian Gallacher with the Toys R Us mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe
Kirkcaldy man, Ian Gallacher has donated a raft of brand new equipment after participating in various fundraising efforts, including a race night, raffles, and a charity auction, for the hospital’s Children’s Unit.
The equipment will be stored in the nearby gardens and will be used to help encourage young patients to play outdoors. Amongst the items donated are a trampoline with net, a slide, goalposts, a basketball hoop, swing ball, sand and water trays, and parasols that enable children to enjoy being outdoors, whilst remaining safe in the sun. The garden already hosts previously donated play equipment, including a wooden boat and train, and picnic benches, and the new equipment, which was built and delivered by staff at the Kirkcaldy branch of Toys R Us, will complement and enhance existing facilities.
Mr Gallacher said:
“I am delighted to be able to donate play equipment that will help make the hospital a less daunting place for young people to visit, whilst also encouraging them to play outdoors. The staff at the Children’s Unit do a fantastic job and they have also been really good at letting me know exactly what sort of equipment is needed, and what would make the biggest difference to the experiences of young patients. Ultimately, I hope that my donation, and special mention must go to the Alpha Bar darts team who started the ball rolling with the fundraising, will help to remove some of the fear that young people may have about visiting the hospital.”
Joyce Nolan from NHS Fife added:
“Play in hospital allays children’s fears and anxieties. They enjoy playing outdoors, even prior to going in to surgery. This donation will help make their hospital stay more pleasant.”