Angmering mum launches toy appeal for Worthing Hospital

Charlotte Allen, 36, was inspired to launch the appeal after taking her youngest son to the children’s A&E department.

While waiting to be seen by a doctor, the mum-of-two said she noticed a lack of toys for children.

“What was there was sort of broken or missing parts,” she said.

“I saw they had a wishlist up on the wall, and I spoke to one of the doctors who said it doesn’t get updated very often, but they were in desperate need.

“I just thought, in that sort of time, when children are so poorly, you’d do anything to take their mind off it.”

Charlotte created a wishlist featuring items such as card games, sticker books, Barbies and building blocks, and shared the link on social media to encourage residents to contribute.

She added: “Hospitals are scary as it is, and they're so busy and loud.

"If a child's got a toy, they can just immerse themselves in that. It's not going to necessarily take away how they're feeling at the time, but it might help them take their mind off it just for a little bit.

“It’s a bit of a saving grace for parents too. When your child's poorly, the last thing you think is, 'I've got to grab toys to take with me’. You just want to get your child seen and better. “

Charlotte said the appeal has ‘done very well’, with 20 items purchased. She is now making a final push for donations ahead of delivering the items to the hospital on Saturday (November 7).

She added: “There's nothing over £16. If people can afford to go out and grab something, then that’s brilliant.”

The wishlist can be found here.