Young patients on the Starfish Ward at Watford General Hospital now have access to a state-of-the-art Nintendo Switch OLED Gaming Cart, thanks to a fundraising campaign supported by West Herts Hospitals Charity.
The donation was inspired by seven year old Ethan, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia at Watford General Hospital. While receiving shared care at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Ethan first encountered a mobile gaming cart. His mother, Rebekah, a music teacher at Ethan’s school (pictured above seated left), was so impressed by how the technology provided a vital distraction during difficult treatments that she launched a fundraising drive to bring the same joy to patients at their local hospital, Watford General.
The campaign quickly captured the hearts of the local community and Ethan’s school, the Bushey Federation. Led by Head of School, Mary-Ann Cooper (pictured above, second right), the schools rallied together with creative fundraising efforts, including a sports day bake sale and a sponsored marathon where every child participated to help reach the target. Contributions also came from the congregation at Bushey Baptist Church, residents at Homemanor House Retirement Complex, and a wave of individual local supporters.
The funds successfully secured a bespoke “RockinR” Gaming Cart. The mobile unit is specifically designed for sterile hospital environments and features a Nintendo Switch OLED. It has already become a huge asset for children being nursed in isolation rooms who cannot access the standard ward play areas.
“We saw firsthand how long and isolating hospital stays can be, especially when you are confined to a single room for treatment. Seeing the impact a gaming cart had on his spirits at GOSH made me realise how much our local children’s ward at Watford General needed one too. It’s more than just a game; it’s a vital distraction. I want to thank every single person who donated, you haven’t just bought a console; you’ve given children in hospital a way to just be kids again for a while.” – Rebekah, Ethan’s mother
“As a school community, we are incredibly proud of Ethan and his family. When we heard about the fundraising drive, our children, parents, and staff were eager to get involved and show their support. Seeing the campaign succeed and knowing that this gaming cart will bring smiles to children during their toughest moments is wonderful. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community pulls together.” – Mary-Ann Cooper, Head of School at the Bushey Federation
Helen Cripps, Health Play Specialist at Starfish Ward, said: “This gaming cart is a fantastic addition to the ward. For children who are in isolation for long periods, boredom and loneliness can be a real challenge. Having high-quality, mobile entertainment that we can bring right to their bedside is invaluable for their mental wellbeing and overall hospital experience.”