When lively toddler Alastair Helm broke his thigh bone on a bouncy castle, his family feared the worst.
It was going to mean weeks in hospital on traction for the unlucky boy and a bedside vigil for his family.
But they were so grateful for the tremendous help they received at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary that they decided to do something to say “Thanks”.
And that has been in the very tangible launch of a special toy appeal, with toys set to be donated twice a year to the hospital for their Bravery Fund.
That gives out toys as rewards to young patients who have to undergo painful operations and treatment.
Young Alastair, now three and bouncing with health, made a return visit to the Infirmary with mum Claire to donate the first batch of toys.
Many of them were donated from families across Huddersfield and the Holme Valley after Claire put out an appeal for new toys and gifts on Facebook.
Claire, who is married to Nick, said: “It was in the summer of 2013 when Alastair had his accident. We were in Glossop at the time and he was taken to Tameside Hospital at first, before being transferred to Ward 18 at Huddersfield.
“What could have been such a horrible experience turned out to be exactly the opposite.
“At that age, the treatment for a broken femur is to keep the patient in traction but as you can imagine, it’s difficult with a two-year-old.
“He wanted to move about all the time so there needed to be someone with him 24 hours a day, for the six weeks he was in the ward.
“The staff were so hardworking and so wonderful. Nick and I took it in turns to be at his bedside, along with Alastair’s grandparents, and the staff could not have done more to support us.
“I wanted to help as a way of saying ‘Thanks’ and I heard about the Bravery Fund and decided to do something.
“We got a lot of support from our family and friends and then when I put it on Facebook I was inundated with offers.
“We now plan to run the appeal twice a year so that the nursing staff can keep the bravery toy cupboard stocked up to reward the children who go in for treatment”.
To help contact Claire on 07919 051042.
