A mum from Bishopstoke has raised more than £500 for soft play equipment after her son had nothing to play with while recovering from illness in hospital.

Binky Hutchison’s 14-month-old son, Teddy, was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties in September.

The 31-year-old stayed beside her son while he was in Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester for four days, secluded to his hospital bedroom.

Thankfully Teddy made a full recovery but the experience inspired Binky to raise money for a soft play area in the hospital that can be used by other children when they’re poorly.

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Soft play equipment donated to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (Image: Supplied) Speaking to the Echo, Binky said: “When Teddy was in hospital, he was on some medication that made him quite hyperactive.

“Trying to restrain him to his bedroom became very difficult as there wasn’t really anywhere, we could go or anything we could do.

"The toy room was locked over the weekend and we weren’t able to bring toys in from home as the hospital was worried about cross contamination.

“I spoke to the nurses and offered to donate some money to go towards a soft play area or some toys that could be used in the hospital.

“They recommended it would be easier just to buy the equipment upfront and then donate it to the hospital directly, to ensure the money gets put to use where we want it most.”

After speaking to the nurses, Binky set-up a GoFundMe to see if anyone else with similar experiences – as well as friends and family – would be interested in raising as much money as possible.

The fundraiser has seen Binky raise £540, meaning she could donate soft play equipment to the hospital for children to enjoy.

She said: “I’m quite proud of what we’ve been able to do, and the soft play has already been set-up at the hospital for people to use.

“There’s nothing worse as a parent when your child is unwell, hopefully the soft play area really makes a positive difference – not just for children but for the parents too.”

Donate via www.gofundme.com/f/active-play-at-winchester-hospital