University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity has scored a new seasonal fundraising partnership with Poole Town Football Club.

For this coming season, the club has set itself the challenge to raise as much as it can to help fund new indoor and outdoor play areas for the future children’s department in Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new BEACH building.

It will be greatly assisted by local charity, the Gale Foundation Trust, which will match fund pound for pound any amount raised up to £2,500.

As part of The BEACH Appeal, the charity is hoping to raise enough funds to kit out the new Children’s Health department with special extras to give children a welcome break away from their beds.

It will include areas with games to interact with others and opportunities for younger patients to enjoy some sensory and play time during their care on the wards.

There will also be a spacious outdoor balcony with play items and furniture for children to ensure children do not miss out on moments of nature and fresh air while they need to stay in hospital for medical support from NHS staff.

Richard Gale, Poole Town Football Club director, pictured left, said: “Through our Kids Initiative (Community interest company) we love to support young children with their sport and development, especially those facing any kind of hardship.

“When we heard we could raise funds for the new play areas at the new purpose-built Children’s Health department, it was a no brainer.

“At the club, we are so passionate about giving children such positive experiences in life through sport and love to see the joy the game can bring.

“This isn’t too different – we have a shared interest in investing in the resources for young people so it’s the perfect way to channel our energy into some collective fundraising and make an invaluable difference.”

Janine Golding, community fundraiser, said: “We are so pleased to have Richard and the club’s ongoing support behind The BEACH Appeal, particularly towards the play areas for children who can’t be home and need hospital care.

“Raising funds together to help other children is such a rewarding initiative to be a part of.

“With every penny raised, we really can enhance our facilities and improve the experience for every child in the future.”

The BEACH Appeal has a fundraising goal of £1.5 million and is one of the most significant fundraising endeavours of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

It will provide funding for various additional items to ensure that the new BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital is equipped to enhance the hospital’s healthcare capabilities in the future, surpassing what the NHS is able to fund.

The six-storey BEACH Building will house purpose-built maternity and children’s units, an upgraded major emergency department, and an expanded critical care unit.

• To support The BEACH Appeal, visit uhdcharity.org/beachappeal.