An Ayrshire charity has launched a fundraising appeal to transform the children’s wards at University Hospital Crosshouse.

The ‘Colour for Crosshouse’ appeal will see Crosshouse Children's Fund raise vital funds to create colourful, comfortable and welcoming wards for Ayrshire’s children in hospital.

The charity’s vision is to create bright, fresh spaces that children find fun, relaxing and distracting.

Children, families and hospital staff will all play their part in helping to design the innovative artwork and themes used in the new wards.

Thanks to an initial injection of £30,000 from Crosshouse Children’s Fund, work is already under way to transform the ward entrance.

In the year ahead, the children's wards and A&E will also be renovated, which Kirsten Watson, the charity's CEO, believes will hugely benefit the youngsters staying there. 

She said: “There is growing evidence that the hospital environment has a profound impact on the physical and mental health of children.

"This project will ensure that the wards are as colourful, warm and comforting as the welcome that children will receive from the incredible staff who care for them.

"We hope that the generous Ayrshire community will back our Colour for Crosshouse appeal by fundraising or donating to Crosshouse Children’s Fund.”

The Colour for Crosshouse appeal has the backing of charity partner Kilmarnock FC, with player Jack Sanders visiting the wards to kick off the campaign.

 The club’s managing director, Phyllis McLeish, said: “We’re proud to support our deserving charity partners and wholeheartedly encourage the local community to join us in backing this project.

“As a club, we’re determined to play our part in creating a lasting legacy by helping to paint a brighter future for children across Ayrshire.”

To find out more, visit www.CrosshouseChildrensFund.org.