A CHARITY has launched an appeal to fund specialist equipment for Leighton Hospital's paediatric unit.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity's 'Children's Emergency Care Appeal' has set a £40,000 target by the end of the year so that it can buy two interactive floor projectors and sensory play wall-foxed activity units for the waiting areas and assessment rooms.

The charity also hopes to purchase some clinical equipment to boost the care very poorly babies up to the age of three months attending the Emergency Care Centre at Leighton receive.

"When children need emergency medical care it can be a very scary time for them and for their families. Strange surroundings, noises, people and equipment can affect how they cope with a visit to hospital," said the charity's community fundraiser, Carole Salmon.

"By providing a calming, child-friendly environment we can help to relax and distract children of all ages so that their experience is the best that it can be.

"We also want to purchase a piece of high-tech clinical equipment to enhance the care of poorly babies - it will make some procedures easier and quicker to carry out in an emergency.

"We hope to reach our £40,000 target before the end of 2021 and we appreciate every single donation, no matter how big or small."

To donate to the Children's Emergency Care appeal visit here.