A kind-hearted young patient asked his loved ones to donate money to Ipswich Hospital rather than give him presents for his ninth birthday.

Ipswich Star: The Round family presents play specialist Keren Brooke with a cheque for £1,100. Picture: IPSWICH HOSPITALThe Round family presents play specialist Keren Brooke with a cheque for £1,100. Picture: IPSWICH HOSPITAL (Image: Archant)

The gesture by William Round, a pupil at St Matthews Church of England School in Ipswich, saw £1,100 raised for toys to go in the hospital’s playroom.

While his friends donated £320, his family also set up an online fundraising page and William, who receives bowel treatment at the hospital, called upon his church congregation to get involved.

“I wanted to say thank you to the staff that work here as they are really friendly,” said William. “I have a lot of fun here playing with the different toys – the go-kart is my favourite.”

Keren Brooke, hospital play specialist, said: “This is the best Christmas present that we could receive for the play room.

“Well done to William for thinking of us and we would like to say the biggest thank you to him and his family.

“The play room is a very special place for children and this donation will make it even more so.”