Staff from the children’s unit at an East Lancashire hospital donned bright colours and braved awful weather for the Big Paediatric Walk.

The five-mile fancy-dress walk started at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital and finished at Darwen Tower, and was organised to raise funds for a mobile sensory unit to help enhance the patient experience.

Organisers of the walk, play specialists Gemma Benn and Nina Thornhill from the children’s assessment unit and blood clinic at the hospital, said: “Children and young people with disabilities and complex needs benefit from sensory equipment as it helps them to engage in touch, sight, hearing, movement and balance.

Staff from Royal Blackburn Hospital at Darwen Tower at the end of their walk (Image: ELHT)

“It also helps to calm children who have mental health difficulties and those who are struggling with their treatment.

 “The sensory unit includes music and lights in one easily transportable unit so it can be used to support a range of patients within the trust.”

Fundraisers were cheered on by passers-by as they walk along to the sounds of horns beeping and people stopping to tell them about the service they provide, while generously donating money into their buckets.

Nina added: “The response we got from the public was amazing.

The walk was to raise funds for a new mobile sensory unit for the wardThe walk was to raise funds for a new mobile sensory unit for the ward (Image: ELHT)

“Thank you to everyone who has given a donation. It really is appreciated and will make a huge difference to the lives and development on some of the children and young people on our wards, and ultimately help us to provide an even better service.”

So far, more than £1,500 has been raised of the £3,000 target.

If you would like to donate, visit JustGiving and search for Royal Blackburn Children’s Ward.