Revamped Play Area for Bramble Ward Now Open

Children and young people staying in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital's Bramble Unit now have a completely revamped outside play area thanks to a massive fundraising drive.

Since 2014, more than £32,000 was raised to fund the new play area, which was originally built in the mid-1980s. The Exeter Lions, who funded the original play area, began the fundraising campaign which then was boosted by a £10,000 donation from the Exeter Foundation, plus contributions from several other generous groups and individuals.

The play area has been given a full range of new brightly coloured equipment including a large wooden climbing frame, walkways, buggies and a play house. It has also been resurfaced with a child-friendly 'soft-bounce' material.

Every child loves a playground, but at Bramble it is an essential area to help recovery and boost the well-being of the many brave children and young people who need to stay on the ward.

The play area is now officially open after a special celebration at Bramble. Sarah Haywood, Senior Nurse for Paediatrics at the RD&E, said: "This campaign has been an incredible journey for all of us and we are so proud and delighted that it has been possible to raise so much money to make such an improvement to the outside play area.

"We could not have done this without the support, dedication and generosity of all of the fundraisers involved, and I would like to publicly thank them for everything they've done and continue to do for the RD&E and our children, young people and families.

"The new play area is a wonderful outside space which will serve our children and their families well for many years to come."

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