KATHERINE BAINBRIDGE
A‘MAGICAL Power of Play Box’ has been donated to Stepping Hill Hospital thanks to fundraising efforts by the charity Action for Sick Children.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor Chris Gordon and Dr Margaret Gordon, were joined by youngsters from Norbury Hall Primary School in Hazel Grove for the presentation of the box to patients and staff at the hospital.
Val Jackson, chief executive at Action for Sick Children, which is based in Cheadle Hulme, said: “Magical Power of Play is a new children’s health initiative aimed at providing sick children of all ages with access to all the proven health benefits of play, recreation and education throughout their battle with illness.”
The charity launched the scheme after carrying our a survey in which 94 per cent of health play specialists who responded said they had spent their own money to buy some of the basic essentials.
The resource boxes, valued at £2,500 each, contain a wide range of toys, games and activities.
Miss Jackson added: “Health play specialists are extremely valued members of staff. Play is recognised as an important tool for such things as preparation for surgical procedures, distraction therapy, overcoming anxieties and assisting healing.
“Our aim is to supply as essential play resource box each month to a different hospital across the country.
“We are delighted to present the very first box to our local hospital, Stepping Hill.”
Caroline Oates, a play specialist at Stepping Hill, said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Action for Sick Children. Play is widely recognised as being valuable in assisting healing and all the wonderful resources in the Magical Power of Play Box will be put to very good use.”