STUDENTS at Dorcan Technology College have helped improve the lives of young patients in Great Western Hospital.

Last week, a group of four pupils from the school’s student council visited the Children’s Ward to present a cheque for an impressive £659.47.

The money was raised through a non-school uniform day and was presented to the play specialists on the ward.

It will help the GWH purchase new toys, DVDs and computer games for young patients to make their stay in hospital a bit easier.

The decision to support the ward was made by the student council, including students Chloe Colman, Rhys Astbury, Stephanie Erzyaykina and Amy Wakeman who visited the GWH last week.

Chris Sanders, communications manager at Dorcan, said: “Each term we have a charity event, like a non-school uniform day or a cake bake, and this time the school council decided they wanted to donate the money to the Children’s Ward. A couple of the girls themselves have actually been in hospital so they thought it would be a nice place to support, especially as it is so local.

“The money is now being allocated to the play room as this is a self funded room with donations from parents, businesses or fundraising events.”

Year eight student Chloe said: “We chose the Great Western Hospital as the local organisation we wanted to raise money for, as the hospital has many things the money could be used for. “ Play specialist Theresa Wyatt said the money would make a huge difference.

“We are grateful to Dorcan Academy for raising the money and it was lovely of the students on the school council to choose our unit to donate it to,” she said.

“It can be quite costly to buy things like art and crafts equipment, and DVDs and games for the play room, so this money will really come in handy.

“We always appreciate fundraising support from the local community as it makes such a difference to the children and teenagers on our unit.”