CHILDREN with life-limiting illnesses are set to benefit from the donation of a new iPad donated by a Dorset-based insurance broker.

Alan & Thomas have fundraised to buy the computer tablet for Gully’s Place Trust Fund, which is run by Poole Hospital Charity, through various activities including monthly dress-down days, bake sales, quizzes and garden parties.

Gully’s Place offers a one bedroom suite for patients and their families located on the children’s unit at Poole Hospital.

It supports the four hundred infants, children and young people throughout Dorset who have a life-limiting or life-threatening illness.

Helen Parker, senior sister in charge of Gully’s Place, says that they were delighted and very grateful to Alan & Thomas for the gift, which will be fantastic for the older children who visit the suite.

She said: “Not only have Alan & Thomas provided us with the iPad, but they have also purchased and downloaded an invaluable communication app for us.

“This allows children who have difficulty speaking or who can’t talk at all, to communicate. It also has features for users with limited vision or learning disabilities.”

Hayley Baverstock, Alan & Thomas marketing manager, said: “Our staff are very keen to do all they can to support Gully’s Place and are coming up with new and novel fundraising ideas all the time.

“To be able to donate the iPad to Gully’s is something we are all proud of.”

As well as the suite, Gully’s Place Trust Fund also offers parent support groups and the provision of education and learning materials for the staff and visiting families.

One of the charity’s main aims this year is to support the development of a Gully’s Place Suite at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.