A children’s ward has received £1,000 of equipment from a charity dedicated to making life easier for sick youngsters.

The Charley Paige Trust, which launched in 2005 in memory of a three-year-old girl who died from leukaemia the year before, was set up to provide grants to help make life easier for sick children and their families while they spend time in hospital.

The charity treated patients on Casey ward at Epsom Hospital to a whole host of goodies including televisions, DVD players, children’s plastic tables and chairs, and a bookcase for the playroom.

Lorna Bramwells, head of nursing for women and children’s services, said: "The playroom looks much brighter with the new tables, chairs and bookcase, while the new television and DVD players can be transported on the trolleys to the single rooms, where children stay who need to be nursed in isolation.

"It is a wonderful gesture and I would like to say a big thank you."

Jackie Franklin, the charity’s founder, added: "My granddaughter Charley had a long battle with leukaemia and we know from experience how traumatic going to hospital can be for young people and their families."