WHEN Jade Cooper was treated in hospital, her parents vowed they would do what they could to make life easier for other patients' parents.Oliver and Miranda Cooper saw that there were not enough beds for parents to sleep on, when they spent the night with their child at Ipswich Hospital.

By Tracey Sparling

WHEN Jade Cooper was treated in hospital, her parents vowed they would do what they could to make life easier for other patients' parents.

Oliver and Miranda Cooper saw that there were not enough beds for parents to sleep on, when they spent the night with their child at Ipswich Hospital.

That created an added stress for both staff and parents, and the Cooper's resolved to do something about it.

Mr Cooper said: "We could see that it was an added stress. On asking sister Lesley McGhee how many beds she felt would make life easier on the ward, she told us ten would be wonderful."

Jade, 15, of Elmsett, was treated for a short-term infection and luckily was not in hospital for very long.

The Coopers then set about their musical fundraising.

Their first event was planned for June last year, but had to be cancelled because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Undeterred, they rescheduled to October, with fellow members of The Entire Band which plays rhythm and blues.

An audience of 320 people turned up for the night of Flamenco and rock, including podium dancers choreographed by Cathy Bullen, plus the top Flamenco troupe resident in the UK.

The event, co-ordinated by Nicky Douglas, raised £4,000 for ten 'glideaway' beds.

The portable beds are now in constant use in the children's ward.

Jackie Harrop, children's services manager, said: "We are thrilled to have these ten new beds which mean that parents can sleep on a proper bed next to their child on the ward.

"It is a real boost for children's services and we are very pleased and grateful to The Entire Band for this fantastic support."