Why it matters: Asha Plavny-McKeon's personal experience with chronic kidney disease, two kidney transplants and dialysis inspired the initiative after a recent hospital visit reminded her how much the playroom meant during her own difficult years as a patient.
The details: The donation drive at Snap Fitness Martlesham Heath closes on 16 December, with members responding enthusiastically since the appeal launched. All toys will be delivered to the hospital on 17 December for children aged 0-16 across the paediatric ward and paediatric A&E departments.
Larger toys will stay in the hospital playroom, ensuring children benefit beyond Christmas.
What they're saying: "The idea came to me during a recent visit to a friend in hospital," said Plavny-McKeon, club manager at the Martlesham Heath Retail Park gym. "As I walked past the children's ward, I was reminded of my own time there and how much the ward and playroom meant to me."
She added: "Those small moments of joy and distraction made an enormous difference during what were incredibly difficult years. Supporting Ipswich Hospital's paediatric ward felt like a meaningful way to give something back."
The response: Members have donated a mix of large toys, smaller items and books. Waterstones in Martlesham has supported the initiative by offering gym members 50 per cent off books purchased for the drive.
The gym is now prioritising donations for older children and teenagers, where gaps remain.
How to help: Anyone can drop off new toys and books suitable for children up to 16 at the gym before donations close on 16 December. Staffed hours are 08:00-21:00 Monday to Thursday, 08:00-18:00 on Friday, or 09:00-13:00 on Saturday. The hospital cannot accept used items for safety and hygiene reasons.
The bottom line: A gym manager's childhood memories of finding comfort in hospital playrooms during serious illness has sparked a community response delivering nearly 150 gifts to young patients this Christmas.
