On a visit to Treetops Ward at University Hospital I thought it could be brightened up a bit and had a chat to the staff. I then discovered that any non-essential improvements such as stickers on walls, toys etc were funded by donations. I also discovered that beds for parents to stay with ill children were not provided as standard.

This made me think that if each County Councillor gave a small amount from their Members Initiative Fund we could make a big difference. So working with officers we sorted out a form and I emailed out a request to 125 fellow councillors.

Amazingly, in total the request went out and dozens of Councillors supported the idea. In total over £2800 has been provided to the ward to carry out a whole raft of improvement. Councillors from across the County, from all political parties as well as independent councillors contributed to the total.

A huge thank to all those who contributed and hopefully the money will make a big difference to the children and their parents who have to spend time at the hospital.