THOUSANDS flocked to support a fundraising campaign that aims to make life brighter for children spending long periods in hospital.

People living in the Marchwood area of Southampton enjoyed a family fun day at the Lloyd Recreation Ground in Main Road, organised by mum-of-three Karolin Jones, who is determined to improve facilities at Southampton General Hospital.

She aims to raise £54,000 – enough to provide a television for each bay in all seven wards that comprise the children’s unit.

She has been in and out of the hospital with her fouryear-old son Cody, who is on the autistic spectrum and has Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects fewer than one in 15,000 children in England. Symptons included restricted growth, reduced muscle tone and behavioural problems.

Sufferers also endure constant hunger, which causes them to eat up to six times more than other youngsters.

Karolin, of Marchwood, said: “I’m doing this mainly to help Cody and other children, who will be in and out of hospital all their lives.

“It’s really difficult having a poorly child. There’s nothing worse than that, other than there being no TVs or toys for them to play with.

“Putting televisions in the children’s wards is something I’m very passionate about. It would make a massive difference for all the children and make it a home from home.”