THOUSANDS of care packages have been donated in a bid to support Southampton's most poorly children.

The Rapid Relief Team UK (RRT) has donated more than 2,260 care kits and snack packs to families with hospitalised children.

This includes families at Southampton House, which serves Southampton Children’s Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital.

The donation from the charity has been made in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital.

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The packages contain aloe cleansing wipes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and treats such as Peperami sticks, crisps, and dried apricots.

Emily Roux, a house manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: "These kits and packs have been so wonderful.

"The quality of each pack is superb.

"The families couldn’t believe how lucky they were, and they were so grateful to be receiving them for free.

"I was speaking to the mum of a 16-year-old girl who has recently suffered a cardiac arrest.

"Her daughter had developed a nail infection, and the care kits provided her with two nail files, which was exactly what she needed to help make her daughter comfortable.

"They also include lots of snacks, which are really appreciated by families, who often don’t have time to shop and cook in between hospital visits."

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The RRT, made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, donated the care packages to parents staying at Ronald McDonald Houses with their children.

Its aim is to provide home comforts and raise spirits during a challenging time.

Director Rod Buckley said: “We are absolutely delighted to have teamed-up with Ronald McDonald House Charities UK to share these Care Kits and Comfort Snack Packs with parents and families with children in hospital.

"Families remain the bedrock of our communities and we understand that having a child in hospital is an incredibly painful experience, so we are pleased that we can provide some simple comforts in this most difficult time.”

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