A COUPLE from Worcester donated £200 worth of toys to a children’s ward in thanks for the care their twin sons received in the first year of their lives.

Darren and Laura Wilding raised the money to buy toys for the Riverbank ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where sons Ethan and Thomas spent a good deal of time after they were born prematurely in September 2013.

As part of the fundraising Mr Wilding ran the Birmingham Half Marathon last October and appealed for donations over social media.

He said he hoped the donation would help make a stay on the ward more enjoyable for other youngsters forced to spend time in hospital.

“We really felt like we wanted to give something back for the care Ethan and Thomas have received here on the ward,” he said.

“I want to try and make a difference because I have seen first-hand what it is like to have your children in hospital and we thought that this little donation to help.

“The staff on the ward are excellent and you can’t underestimate the work done here every day.

“You can see the children’s eyes light up at the tireless, thankless work that the staff here do.”

He added he hoped to raise more money for the hospital and is planning to run a marathon next year.

The ward’s play specialist Joy Powell said: “We’re always very grateful when we receive such a kind donation as this.

“The Wildings have been very generous and their donation will help improve the experience of many children who come to the ward.”

The couple also raised £200 for toys at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where Ethan and Thomas were also treated in their early days and weeks.

Anyone interested in fundraising for one of Worcestershire’s acute hospitals can call 01905 760551 or email fundraising@worcsacute.nhs.uk.