Early present for sick children

Poorly youngsters at a Norfolk hospital have been given an early Christmas treat after a charity replaced computer game consoles stolen by callous thieves.

The Sony PlayStation Portables (PSPs) were taken from the Jenny Lind Children's Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on October 4.

But on Tuesday members of the East Coast Truckers, a charity which had read about the crime and the fundraising efforts of Norfolk grandmother Doreen Larkman, presented children with nine new replacement consoles.

Emma Wilson, whose six-year-old son Joshua Wilson was at the hospital for a check-up, said she was delighted by the charity's generosity.

The legal secretary, from Tacolneston, said: “I think what they've done is amazing. It is disgusting that they were stolen in the first place, but I'm so pleased the truckers have been able to raise funds for new ones.”

Emma Jarvis, hospital arts co-ordinator, added: “We were so horrified when the PSPs were stolen - they were cut from their fixings, which would require proper cutting equipment, so it was all planned and they were stealing from children.

“But this time we will be getting even more secure fixings to ensure the same thing doesn't happen again. We still need to raise money for these, though.”

If you would like to donate towards the cost of the replacement fixings and games for the consoles, call Emma Jarvis on 01603 287870.