A CAMPAIGN to secure a new children's playground for Whiston Hospital has won a national award.

The Playground SOS appeal, which was supported by the St Helens Star and funded by generous donations from local businesses and the community, has won ‘Best NHS Charity Campaign’ at the prestigious NHS Communicate Awards.

Support from teams across Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, local businesses, staff, patients, TV personality Craig Phillips and so many people across the community, led to the appeal surpassing its fundraising goal of £20,000 in just over 20 weeks.

Courtyard transformation

The money was used to transform an unused courtyard into a purpose-built playground at Whiston Hospital, providing a safe area for the hospital’s youngest patients.

Trust chief executive, Ann Marr OBE said: “We are delighted our charity campaign has been recognised as one of the best in the country by NHS Communicate and NHS Charities Together.

"The incredible response to our Playground SOS appeal has been nothing short of amazing and on behalf of everyone at Whiston Hospital, I cannot thank our supporters and fundraisers enough.

"This project has made such a difference to the experience of our younger patients and their families when they attend our hospital.

“Finally, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful children who took part in our campaign, Harry, Bella, Isla, Luca, Ruby and Joel. We couldn’t have done this without you”.