Dundee boy donates "worry monsters" to Tayside Children's Hospital

A Dundee boy is donating four "worry monsters" to Tayside Children's Hospital, after spending time there himself earlier this year.

Daniel Brookes, 9, was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy when he was 16-months-old.

He was admitted to the hospital in January for two weeks before being transferred to Glasgow when there was a problem with his internal defibrillator.

He was given a "worry monster" by a carer at school last year, which he took into hospital with him.

A worry monster is a soft plush toy that helps children who feel worried or stressed.

The monster has a zip-up mouth - and kids can write down their worries on a piece of paper and put it in the monster's mouth for it to "eat".

An adult then reads the child's worry and writes down a response for them.

Daniel said: “I was given a worry monster as a gift.

"It really helps me, especially when I was in hospital.

"I write down my worries or questions on a piece of paper and put it in the monster’s mouth then I get an answer.

"It basically helps by taking away worries and stuff that you're maybe scared about.

"I want it to help others the way it helped me, and for kids who are in the same position they will maybe need it as well."

Accepting the donation, play specialist Una Paton said, “Thank you to Daniel for his very kind donation. The toys will help a lot of children who are worried about being in hospital."