More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Game consoles and a laptop have been stolen from a children's ward at a hospital.
Over the last week, the Padua Ward at Ashford's William Harvey Hospital has seen hundreds of pounds worth of technology taken.
In all, a Nintendo 3DS, a Nintendo Switch lite, a Chromebook and two Nintendo games were swiped last week.
Vanessa Deacon heard about the incident while staying with her child on the ward, and decided to do something to replenish the stock.
She recalled: "My son has been in hospital for three-and-a-half weeks now and had an operation on Saturday, so has been using the consoles lent by the play therapists since he was admitted.
"He had asked to borrow the Switch again and was told it had been taken. The play therapist then told me two other devices had gone the same week.
"This really upset me. Not because my son couldn't use it but because someone had done that to the ward."
Ms Deacon then got in touch with friend Chris Kennedy, and the pair came up with ways to raise awareness and donations.
Mr Kennedy got in touch with Samantha Griffin, a DJ at Radio Ashford, who created a JustGiving page and gave a shout-out to the nurses on air for their hard work.
Within just 21 hours of starting the campaign, the page has attracted £2,890 compared to the original £500 target.
In an update, the radio DJ said: "So many people have wanted to help. It is just overwhelming.
"We have been inundated with offers of replacing the Nintendo Console, DS and tablet, so thank you so much."
The team also highlighted KSG Construction, which has provided a £1,000 cheque to aid the effort.
Ms Deacon also thanked those who had donated and offered to help, saying: "We are totally overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and how much has been raised in just 24 hours.
"We are almost at £4,000. It's just unbelievable.
"We can't thank everyone enough for what they have done. It is going to make a huge difference to the ward."
Lindsay Wheeler, ward manager of Padua Ward, said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the response from our community to the news of the theft.
“It is heartbreaking to discover that someone has stolen equipment that is designed to help poorly children feel better.
“But we are overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have rallied round to replace it and just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, and to the parent of one of our patients who organised the fundraiser.”
To donate to the fundraiser, click here
Police have confirmed the thefts, asking anyone who has information should call 01843 222289, quoting reference 23-0876.
