The Children’s division are launching a major new appeal to raise money to brighten the time spent in hospital by babies, children and their families.

The Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity will be launched officially in late September when more than 45 cyclists take to the road for a sponsored Coast to Coast cycle ride.

The group will cycle 170 miles from Morecambe to Bridlington from September 28 to 30.

Consultant paediatrician, Beccy Bardgett, who is heading the new charity’s launch said: “Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity aims to raise funds to provide facilities and items which will lead to a happier stay in hospital for our patients and their parents or carers.

“We can make a difference to the experience children and babies have during their stay with us by being able to buy distraction toys and games for children of all ages and this really does make a huge difference to their well-being.

“Some patients are with us for months while others stay on and off for years. We have countless day case patient visits too. Like all children and babies they get bored easily so every single penny raised will go towards providing a brighter and more stimulating environment for these young people from across the Bradford district.”

All money raised will be spent across the Trust’s three children’s wards, as well as the neo-natal unit.

If you would like to sponsor the riders, you can log on to the group’s justgiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/BradfordHospitalsChildrensCharityCoast-CoastRide

Details of the official launch will follow in September so keep an eye out for more details in the local media and on the news section of the Foundation Trust’s website.