A children’s cancer charity has received a cash boost for chemotherapy aids to help support children at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The Give a Duck Foundation received £1,000 from our West Yorkshire region, thanks to its Community Champion Scheme, which will fund 40 of its unique Chemo Ducks. Offering comfort and support to a child as they start their cancer journey, the simple Chemo Duck is fitted with medical lines and ports, mirroring those of the child. Through play, it provides a gentle and effective tool for a child to understand the procedures and treatment they are experiencing.

Brian Curran, head of fundraising for the charity, said: “We are overjoyed to receive Persimmon Homes’ support. Chemo Ducks are a very simple, yet effective way, to make lives a little easier for children and their families experiencing the most horrendous of situations. Whatever treatment the child is receiving so does Chemo Duck, some of the children even find the duck helpful to explain what they are going through to their friends, and others simply find comfort in the duck as an understanding companion. Chemo Duck helps increase understanding and opens dialogue during such a difficult time. We are delighted that 40 children at Leeds Children’s Hospital will benefit from this donation.”

The Give as Duck Foundation aims to give every child undergoing chemotherapy at Leeds Children’s Hospital a pack, which consists of a Chemo Duck as well as a Huggable Hope cuddly aid for siblings. Christopher Hull, deputy managing director of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “Our Community Champions scheme is all about supporting the local communities where we are building. We are delighted to support The Give a Duck Foundation as they work hard to help so many children in Leeds during such a difficult time."

The match-funding initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building and its online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.