A charity set up in memory of a Norfolk teenager has brought smiles to the faces of dozens of children facing Christmas in hospital.
Ellie's Love, founded in 2014 in memory of the inspirational former Fakenham High School student Ellie Loades, donated over £2,000 worth of electrical gifts to the Jenny Lind Children's Hospital in Norwich.
Gifts include TV monitors, PlayStations, a virtual reality headset, and games which will be used and enjoyed by young patients on the Buxton ward at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.
Ellie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth and sadly died aged 16. Due to the condition she required a number of stays on the ward.
Following Ellie's death, her parents Nick and Elaine Loades, who live in Colkirk, decided to set up the charity to help local people with cystic fibrosis whilst at home or during stays in hospitals or at the East Anglian Children's Hospices (EACH).
Mr Loades said: 'We spent a lot of time on Buxton ward with Ellie and the hospital helped our family through so much.
'We set up Ellie's Love to support young patients with cystic fibrosis and their parents who could be going through a difficult time whilst at hospital.
'Raising funds and donating gifts is a way for us to give something back and say thank you for all the care the teams at NNUH gave Ellie.
'I'd also like to thank everyone single person who has helped Ellie's Love to raise funds for the hospital over the past years - your support has been fantastic.'
Steve Nicholls, play specialist at the hospital trust, said they were so grateful for the 'amazing' gifts.
He said: 'The PlayStation 4 with the virtual reality headset will be beneficial for our young patients by reducing anxiety, acting as a pain relief and can support and act as a distraction during treatment.'
Louise Cook, fundraising manager at NNUH, said they appreciated all the support Ellie's Love had given the hospital over the last few years including a £7,000 donation to the children's playground.
* Ellie's Love will be continuing its fundraising efforts into the New Year by hosting a ball at Holkham Hall next September. If you would like to sponsor the event, please contact Nick Loades on 07889 157895.
* For more information visit the charity's website at www.ellieslove.co.uk.
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