ALMOST £100,000 has been raised in just one year for Basildon Hospital children’s services.

The hospital’s Polly Parrot Appeal collected a total of £95,955.66, which will go towards refurbishing the wards, clinics and areas used by younger patients, and to fund sensory equipment and toys.

The appeal was launched four years ago to raise money for additional extras for children’s services, including oncology services and neonatal intensive care unit.

Helen Mattock, capital accountant at Basildon Hospital, says she is delighted with the total raised and has thanked the public for their generous donations.

She said: “This is truly a fantastic achievement. The support given to Polly Parrot actively improves the environment in which our younger patients are treated whenever they come into our hospitals.

“On behalf of the trust, I want to give a huge thank you to every single person who has supported the appeal by running a marathon, abseiling a landmark, attending a ball or simply buying charity merchandise, it all adds up.”

The appeal is now looking to topple the £100,000 and aims to do so with a series of events planned for the next couple of months.

Humerus comedy night will be coming to the Holiday Inn, in Festival Leisure Park, Basildon on Thursday, May 5, at 7.30pm.

It will feature performances from Christian Reilly and Caimh McDonnell, who are both due to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Golfers will be teeing off on Monday, May 16 for the charity’s 11th golf day at Stock Brook Country Club in Billericay.

Players pay £40, and entry includes 18 holes of golf, a bacon roll with tea or coffee and lunch. Additional mini games competition for more prizes.

Polly Parrot’s Summer Annual Charity Ball will also be coming to Stock Brook, on Friday July, 15 from 7.30pm.

For more information about any of these events, or to host your own event in aid of Polly or to make a donation, please call 01268 524900 ext.2897 or email charity@btuh.nhs.uk.