A BRIDGWATER-based business has committed to fundraising for Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital's paediatric department.

Hippychick, a family business that creates products for babies and toddlers, will channel its fundraising efforts to the paediatric department at Musgrove Park Hospital, via the charity Love Musgrove.

The business, which is celebrating its 25th year, said many of its staff have had "positive experiences" in the hospital's paediatric department — 18 of the staff have had babies there, and six of the team were born there.

A spokesperson for Hippychick said: "It makes perfect sense for a business that has had children at its heart for 25 years, to make children who, for whatever reason need the services of Musgrove, its priority charity focus this year."

Hippychick visited the hospital’s paediatric ward last week, laden with armfuls of toys from their portfolio of crafted toys including baby walkers and ride-ons, developmental wooden toys, and a selection of puzzles.

Suzy Mason, Paediatric Matron at Musgrove, said: “We know how much children and their visiting siblings just love to zoom around outside on a ride-on and we can never have enough of them.

"Not only do they provide a fun diversion for the patients, but they also offer a great way to encourage children to exercise their muscles which can be really beneficial if they’ve been confined to a hospital bed for an extended period.  We’re so grateful to Hippychick for their generous donation.”

Hippychick’s major fundraising efforts kick off on July 19, when 13 members of the Hippychick team, along with two dogs, will set off on a 25km hike across the Quantocks in Somerset.  

Julia Minchin, Hippychick Founder, hopes this effort will raise enough funds - via its Just Giving page and website, www.hippychick.com - to contribute durable wooden equipment to the essential outdoor space for the paediatric ward, which is currently being landscaped for the benefit of the children, and their families.   

Julia said: "We are delighted to help raise funds to improve the outdoor space at Musgrove Park Hospital's children's ward.

"After visiting the existing garden, it is clear that it is in need of a refresh, and we hope our efforts will raise enough funds to contribute durable wooden equipment to this vital outdoor space.

"Many families rely on letting children play naturally outside to help take their mind off difficult times, and our primary goal is to make it more comfortable and inviting."