Blackpool children's ward enjoys new toys thanks to Thornton's amazing Grace

Blackpool Victoria Hospital has received boxes of new toys from a global toy corporation on behalf of a schoolgirl from Thornton who was recognised for her kind deeds during the Covid-19 pandemic.
By Rebecca Beardmore
Published 18th May 2020, 07:12 GMT
Updated 18th May 2020, 07:14 GMT
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Global toys giant Mattel donated the gifts to Blackpool Vic's children's ward on behalf of nine-year-old Grace Brocklehurst, who lives in Springfield Drive, Thornton.

The Thornton Primary School pupil has been giving her toys away to local children walking past on their daily exercise during the lockdown period of the pandemic, and on hearing about her good deeds, toy companies including the Entertainer and Mattel sent her new toys to replace the ones she had donated.

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She also received gifts from local companies, including Topping Street's toy shop Toys Plus,and Cleveleys confectioners company House of Confection Couture.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Roseanne Norman, play specialist, and Hayley Powers, sister, were delighted with their donations from Mattel after they recognised the good deeds of Grace Brocklehurst from Thornton.Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Roseanne Norman, play specialist, and Hayley Powers, sister, were delighted with their donations from Mattel after they recognised the good deeds of Grace Brocklehurst from Thornton.
Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Roseanne Norman, play specialist, and Hayley Powers, sister, were delighted with their donations from Mattel after they recognised the good deeds of Grace Brocklehurst from Thornton.

Grace's mum Gemma, a teacher at Thornton Primary school and St Wulstan's and St Edmund's Catholic primary school in Fleetwood, said: "I'm completely bursting with pride, we didn't expect any of this.

"Because Grace has been in hospitals so often earlier in her life, I know how much these toys will mean to the children's unit. It's important to give children a sense of normality while they are poorly.

"It's phenomenal that just by putting her toys out for other children to take, she has helped to provide other children with new toys at our local hospital.

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"She is over the moon, she's even made PowerPoint presentations to show her teachers when she goes back to school how she's been helping other people during her time at home."

Nine-year-old Grace Brocklehurst was over the moon with her toys from Mattel, who also donated toys to Blackpool Vic's children's ward on her behalf. Photo: Gemma BrocklehurstNine-year-old Grace Brocklehurst was over the moon with her toys from Mattel, who also donated toys to Blackpool Vic's children's ward on her behalf. Photo: Gemma Brocklehurst
Nine-year-old Grace Brocklehurst was over the moon with her toys from Mattel, who also donated toys to Blackpool Vic's children's ward on her behalf. Photo: Gemma Brocklehurst

The toys donated to the children's ward on behalf of Grace came as a welcome surprise for hospital heroes, during a time where keeping unwell children safe and happy is more crucial than ever.

Hayley Powers, sister on the children’s ward, said: “We are very grateful to receive this lovely donation.

“The kindness from Grace is so lovely and shows how the community is coming together to support those in need.”

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Rosanne Norman, play specialist, added: “Play is as important as every for children and we have adapted this to ensure children can play with toys, then take them home so we are delighted to have more toys for our children.

“Hospital is a scary time for children at any time, but with the current Covid situation we are trying to comfort families as much as possible.

“Grace is amazing and we are delighted that she recognises how important play and distraction is for children. We are so delighted to have her support.”

Related topics:ThorntonBlackpool