Grandma says don't give me gifts

AMAZING Pauline Rudland is a grandmother with a heart of gold … and now her special touch is reaching out to help other children and their families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.

The 70-year-old asked friends and relatives to make a donation to the Children's Hospice in Ipswich rather than give her birthday presents this year – and was delighted when the total reached £900.

Mrs Rudland, of Garrick Way, Ipswich, knows more than many how much the work at the hospice means.

Her grandson Joshua, ten, has Hallerborden Spatz Syndrome, a rare and crippling genetic disease that progressively erodes muscle power.

His brother Stuart, 12, known for his enormous smile, died of the same disease 18 months ago.

But despite the double tragedy Mrs Parker is finding the strength to think of others.

"I just wanted to do something to help and I thought rather than get presents I would ask for a donation," she said.

Joshua spends many afternoons at the hospice and so did his brother before he died.

Following a discussion with staff Mrs Rudland has asked the money to be used to buy a special cushioned and reclining armchair on wheels. The hospice already has one and it's Joshua's favourite and Mrs Rudland would like to see more children enjoy the comfort it offers.

"It will be for any child to use and that's what I wanted," she smiled.

Delighted nurse Carolyn Leese said: "It's lovely when families that are using the hospice get involved as well as members of the public."

She added: "We really do use the chair a lot. We have a waterbed but when we have a few children in it's nice to have a choice of alternative seat for them."

Friends and relatives pulled out all the stops at Mrs Rudland's birthday bash at Bramford village hall on January 26. People turned up with cards and flowers and a swish limousine was laid on for the occasion. She would like to thank everybody for making her day so special.