Ipswich Hospital staff swapped their scrubs for trainers as they took on the Great East Run and raised thousands for charity.

The staff at the Children’s Department ran the race to support the £2.5m Children’s Appeal project at the hospital and were able to raise an astounding £7,400, helping the appeal reach its first £50,000 fundraising milestone.

The project will totally transform the department, which has not been refurbished since the mid-1980s. The hospital plans to bring in more beds, isolation cubicles and much more.

Children’s unit sister Hannah Page said: “It’s been amazing, I loved running with my colleagues and friends. It’s brought a new sense of spirit to the team and when we get the redeveloped department I know that positivity will only grow.

“The demand on the Children’s Department at Ipswich grows year on year so a fresh new-look can’t come soon enough.”

Sarah Smith a children’s matron on the ward also took part in the race and was over the moon with the money raised.

She said: “We launched the appeal six months and now after the run we can boost the grand total even more which is fantastic, but there’s still a long way to go.

“The current space is drab and no longer fit for purpose so it’s imperative that we keep up this momentum.

“Our vision of a bright, friendly and welcoming Children’s Department is starting to feel within touching distance and that’s a really good feeling.”