Staff resorted to chaining toy to cots and beds to prevent the thefts. Smyths has stepped up to donate to the children on Newport's Royal Gwent children's ward.
Smyths Toys Superstores has stepped forward to donate toys to hospitalized children targeted by thieves in Wales.
After it was reported last week that staff at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital were chaining up its toys to prevent a spate toy thefts from its wards, the toy giant decided to reach out and offer its support.
Smyths got in touch with the hospital to say it would “love to offer some toys to replace those stolen.”
Wales Online reports that the issue was first raised by Elvis impersonator and father, Dean Baddis, after his two year old son, Soren, spent time in the ward with bronchiolitis.
“It’s an amazing outcome, I could not have wished for anything better,” he said. “It shows that a small minority doing something negative, can turn into something wonderful.
“Smyths is a massive company and it is a wonderful thing to do and perhaps others would do the same.”
Baddis noticed that toys were being secured when his son tried to play with a musical toy locked up on his cot.
Smyths spokesperson, Robert Guckian, said: “Being locked up in hospital is an unpleasant experience for any child.
“We know how vital play and distraction can be for a child’s recovery and we are glad to be in a position to be able to help the hospital.”
An Aneurin Bevan University Health Board spokesperson, added: “we are extremely grateful for these kind offers from the community, nurses on the wards are looking at Smyths’ website to marry up the most suitable toys against each age range.”
