A whopping £3,800 worth of toys have been delivered to the children’s ward at Margate’s QEQM Hospital thanks to a fundraiser by Margate dad-of-three Tim Johnston.
A further £1845 has been spent on furniture for the hospital wards with more funds to come from a funday and football match taking place this Sunday (July 9).
Tim’s son Otis visits Rainbow ward at QEQM at least once a month for blood tests for a rare autoimmune condition, so the family see first-hand the hard work of the team.
The five year old loves the playroom and toys, which staff use to help distract children and relieve boredom in those who have to stay for a while.
Tim, who runs Johnston marketing agency, said: “The team are absolutely brilliant and work incredibly hard.
“My wife Natalie and I see the pressure they are under and we wanted to help in just a small way by raising money to buy more toys and equipment for the children to use.”
Tim set up a fundraising page which had a £1,500 target but an amazing response from Thanet people and businesses resulted in donations busting through that amount to a brilliant £6000.
Tim made the special toy delivery this week, on the 75th birthday of the NHS.
He said: “We delivered £3,800 worth of toys to Rainbow Ward and also delivered cupcakes from Little Brown Fairy Cake to all the staff so they could celebrate the birthday.
“The toys were bought through the fundraiser which also paid for furniture for the wards. Any further funds raised will be spent on whatever is needed for the ward.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated and shared the fundraiser. I’m so grateful and really appreciate it. Thanet is a great community.”
The fun day event on Sunday is being hosted at Ramsgate Football Club from noon to 6pm and is free to attend. It will include a football match featuring local business owners and amateur players. There will also be stalls, live music and entertainment.
Dee Neligan, senior charity officer for East Kent Hospitals Charity, said: “Rainbow ward is a very special place and we’re delighted Tim has chosen to raise money for some new toys and equipment.
“The response has been wonderful and it should be a lovely event to raise money for a great cause.”
You can find more information about the event and make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/y9459k-charity-football-match
