CHILDREN with complex needs will soon benefit from a purpose-built bed on Gully’s Place at Poole Hospital from a donation of £10,000 made by Haskins Garden Centre’s charitable fund.

Gully’s Place supports children and young people with life-limiting conditions from the point of diagnosis, to care in the hospital, at home and within the community.

The charity was put forward to receive the grant by Haskins Ferndown Centre’s assistant general manager, Marc Etheridge, who chose Gully’s Place as his selected charity to benefit from the charitable fund

“In 2011 when our twins Archie and Tilly were born prematurely, Gully’s Place became our home from home,” said Marc.

“Unfortunately, we lost Archie at four months old. We were then offered ongoing support through the Gully’s Place bereaved parents’ network.

“When I found out that I could nominate a charity to apply for a grant from the Haskins charitable fund, it was an easy decision to make.”

The bed will be equipped with a transparent surround decorated with animal designs which, unlike many cots and beds in hospitals where children can feel enclosed, will allow them to clearly see out of and feel more relaxed while being nursed.

The bed also moves up and down for easier nursing.

Alison Ahvee, sister for child health, said: “The purpose-built bed will greatly benefit children staying in Gully’s Place and the children’s ward, particularly those with complex needs who are non-mobile and find it difficult to be nursed in conventional hospital beds.”

The Haskins charitable fund was set up in 2017 to benefit charities and community projects local to its four garden centres across the south, through personal nominations from its staff.

Jamie Haskins, member of the Haskins family, presented the cheque to Diane Gulliford, the patron of Gully’s Place trust fund for the purchase of the bed and upkeep of the Gully’s Place suite.

“We are thrilled to have been able to help this wonderful charity to buy a much-needed new bed. It was lovely to meet Diane and her wonderfully passionate team and to see the amazing work they do. We wish them every success in the future,” added Jamie.