A new play area for young patients at Stepping Hill Hospital has opened, thanks to a generous £33,249 donation from charity MedEquip4Kids.

The children helped design the new outside area within the Tree House children’s unit. It features a bright seafaring theme with bridges, hills, tunnels and a huge model boat for children to play in.

A play area was first constructed on the site 17 years ago, but has been out-of-bounds for the past five years due to disrepair. It is now a welcome space for children on the ward, as well as young users of Pennine Care’s disability and mental health services also based on site.

The play area was opened by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust chairman Gillian Easson with CBBC Presenter Katie Thistleton, who lives locally and is a supporter of MedEquip4Kids.

Construction firm Vinci who gave the main donation to MedEquip4Kids for the project were also at the opening, alongside some of the children.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Chairman Gillian Easson said, “This play area will make a real difference to the young patients who come here. Being able to play and be outside, whilst in hospital, enables children to continue an important aspect of their normal life. Many thanks to MedEquip4Kids, Vinci, the Swallow Trust and everyone else who generously donated to the project.”

MedEquip4Kids Chief Executive Ghazala Baig said “It’s been a pleasure to once again support a project at the Tree House children’s unit.  This play area will benefit so many of the children who use the hospitals services each year.”