Walsall group raises £12,500 for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Ethan's Journey to Recovery buy toys for the hospital's cancer ward
A Walsall group who make sure patients at Birmingham Children's Hospital have new toys, say they've raised £12,500 in three years.
The initiative, called Ethan's Road to Recovery, fundraises to buy toys and stickers for children undergoing cancer procedures.
Laura Adams set up the group after her son, Ethan, spent six months on the ward in 2021 after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
The group delivered 741 toys to the ward in their most recent 'toy drop'.
Laura tells us why the toys are so important.
"Having those toys is such a comfort. It lightens up your day and make's it so much more exciting. Any child loves a new toy."
She says they make a difference to parents and family members too.
"You're the one that's constantly there. It's hard when you're saying 'go and have this theatre done' when you've got nothing that's a reward."
The group raise money through a range of activities including a plan next year to cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End.
In a few week's time, the group will even be using their fundraising to refurbish the community area of the cancer ward.
The group also buy tubie cheek stickers which hold nose tubes in place.
Laura says, it's important for them to make the hospital a less intimidating experience for the children.
"For us it's about making the hospital a positive experience for the children.
"It makes the journey a lot easier if the children are happy - making the children believe it's not scary."
She says this approach has had a positive impact on Ethan.
"If you tell Ethan now he's got a hospital appointment next week, he enjoys the fact he goes back - he's not scared to go back. He loves to go back and see all the nurses."