WHEN their daughter Amber Bailey died of Leigh's syndrome earlier this year her parents, Emma and Stewart, asked mourners to donate toys instead of flowers at her funeral.

Friends, family and well-wishers responded so well that the family were able to donate more than 100 toys to the children's unit at Poole Hospital, in memory of their eight-year-old daughter.

“Amber loved sending cards and presents to sick children and she would have loved the idea,” explains Emma, who lives in Poole.

“There are toys for babies and older children – there’s something for everyone. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Children’s community nurse Vivien Maiden cared for Amber whose condition, a form of mitochondrial or genetic disease, was life-limiting.

“Amber loved sparkly things and I think she would have loved playing with some of these toys,” said Vivien.

Health play specialist Tracey Fordham said the gifts would benefit many younger patients, particularly the sensory toys.

“Some of the toys have a medical theme and will be great for the play specialists here when working with the children,” she said.