Almost 200 Christmas gifts have been delivered to sick children at Ipswich Hospital this year thanks to the efforts of a dedicated mum.

Ipswich Star: Presentation to Ipswich Hospital of toys collected by Ipswich mum Jade Hutching. Jade is pictured centre, mum Rachel (left) and staff from Emily Davey from children's ward, Ipswich Hospital.Presentation to Ipswich Hospital of toys collected by Ipswich mum Jade Hutching. Jade is pictured centre, mum Rachel (left) and staff from Emily Davey from children's ward, Ipswich Hospital.

Jade Hutchings, 22, of Jovian Way, Ipswich, began the project earlier this month to help young patients celebrate the festive season, after her son Oliver had to spend last Christmas in hospital. She managed to donate more than 180 toys.

Miss Hutchings said: “I couldn’t be happier with the number of toys we raised. There was a big bundle of used toys to be used on the ward, and 180 new toys to be given as gifts.

“The staff were overwhelmed, really; they didn’t expect me to bring so much.”

Miss Hutchings’ son Oliver suffered from Vein of Galen malformation and Hyrdrocephalus fluid on the brain when he was born, which caused his head to grow unusually quickly.

The youngster had to undergo a series of operations to relieve pressure on his head at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, and was given just a one in three chance of survival.

But thanks to the incredible efforts of hospital staff, Oliver survived, and was transferred back to Ipswich Hospital on Christmas Eve, where he was able to spend Christmas with his family.

Miss Hutchings added: “It was nice to come back to hospital for a good reason. A few of the nurses saw us up there, so it was great for them to see how well Oliver is doing. The CEO was even on the ward and thanked me personally.”

And staff from the Ipswich offices of insurance firm Willis used the proceeds of their October dress-down Friday to buy £500 of new toys for children who are spending Christmas in hospital.

Children’s ward sister Ellen Farrance said: “The generosity of local people and the determination of people like Jade, and firms like Willis, is really heartwarming.

“These donations will allow us to not just offer a present to our young patients and their siblings on Christmas Day but throughout the New Year. It’s just fantastic.”