A DONATION of life-changing technology worth thousands of pounds has been made to Julia's House in Dorset from the children's charity Lifelites.

The technology, along with training and technical support services which the charity provides for free, costs around £50,000 over four years.

After four years of use, the charity will return to replace the equipment with the latest, up to date technology, to enable children to continue to play, communicate and be creative.

The specialist technology which Lifelites has donated has given children with life threatening and life-limiting conditions the opportunity to do things they never dreamed of doing.

One of the pieces of equipment donated was an Eyegaze.

This is a piece of equipment which allows those with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes.

An Eyegaze enables children to communicate with their family and carers, often for the first time.

Chief executive of Lifelites, Simone Enefer-Doy said: "We’re delighted to be able to donate lots of our magical technology for the children and young people at Julia’s House.

"Every moment is precious for these children and their families, and this technology will give them the opportunities they deserve to make the most of their time together."

An additional donation will be a special portable bundle of technology for Julia's House, Hospice at Home team, which provides care for children out in the community.

This 'Tech Trunk', can travel wherever the children are, whether that’s in their own home or in hospital.

Julia's House Director of Care, Ali Acaster added: "The amazing technology that Lifelites donates to Julia’s House makes such a huge difference to our children and families.

"The children at Julia’s House often have complex needs, so enabling them to connect with light and sound brings a huge amount of enjoyment to the children, their families and our carers."

Other items donated include iPads, touchscreen computers along with lots of games and other software specially designed to be enjoyed by children with disabilities.

Lifelites were only able to donate this package of technology due to the generosity of supporters. They were the ED Charitable Trust, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Wiltshire, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Dorset, the Sunrise Foundation, the Mark Benevolent Fund, GamesAid and Microsoft.