A FUND dedicated to improving children's time in hospital has helped with some key upgrades.

The Children’s Ward at Wrexham Maelor Hospital received over £2000 from the Lauren Brown Fund to transform a disused outdoor space outside the ward into a new, sensory play area.

The Lauren Brown Fund was set up by Wrexham mum Clare Brown to raise money for the Children’s Ward in honour of her daughter Lauren who sadly died in 2010 after a two year battle with Ewings Sarcoma.

Clare joined forces with the staff of Children’s Ward and the company Solvay who are based on Wrexham industrial estate to complete a 24 hour makeover challenge on the play area.

Kind hearted Solvay staff donated their time and labour to getting the play area finished and ready for the children.

Benches have been placed in the play area as well as interactive activities like chalk boards for drawing and game boards like noughts and crosses that children can play with.

The whole area has also been painted and flower baskets have been put in the garden which were made by Lauren’s sister Erin and her friends in the Year 2 class at Ysgol Deiniol in Wrexham.

Clare said, “It’s fantastic to help the patients of Children’s Ward in this way. When Lauren was receiving treatment on the ward she wanted to improve facilities for patients to make it feel more like a home from home for children when they have to stay there. All our fundraising started from here.

“We wanted to put in activities and games in that are practical and useful for all the children regardless of their ability. If one child comes and has a bit of a play then it’s worth it.

“We’ve been wanting to improve this outdoor space for a while so it’s great to finally see it looking so bright and cheerful, Lauren would have loved it.

“Her sister Erin’s class at school made the flower baskets for the play area and it’s lovely because Lauren was in the same Year 2 class in St Deiniols.”

Tracy Jones, finance controller of Solvay, Wrexham said, “One of our staff member’s wife works on Children’s Ward and was aware of the need. Solvay encourages its employees to take part in local community projects each year so this was the perfect fit.

“It’s been really rewarding to work with the Ward. Many hands make light work and today has been a real pleasure!”

Emma Cunnah Newell, Play Specialist on Children’s Ward expressed thanks from the Ward for the work done by Clare and Solvay.

She said, “We are really grateful to the Solvay staff and Clare Brown for providing the things we needed to transform our outdoor space. It will give so many patients and families a lovely space to play, get a bit of air and help them deal with a challenging time.

“This space has been here but hasn’t been utilized before so it’s great to see it finished. I think the kids are going to love it and the parents too!”