Families had the chance to test and play with new state-of-the-art technology during a special presentation event at The Treehouse.
The innovative equipment, worth around £54,000, has been donated to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by the charity Lifelites.
It was delivered and installed during a celebration tea party on Monday afternoon.
Lifelites provides the latest assistive and inclusive technology to children’s hospice and palliative care centres across the British Isles.
It helps children and young people play, create, communicate and express themselves, connecting with the people they love and the world around them.
Kirsty Garnham was one of the mums in attendance.
Fifteen-year-old daughter Karly has chronic kidney disease and is awaiting her second transplant. The first was unsuccessful.
She particularly loved playing with a new, interactive tilt and touch table – a giant tablet that can be used for fun activities or playing accessible learning games on.
Kirsty said: “Karly loves arts, crafts and getting creative, so loved playing with the touch and tilt table.
“She finds this kind of thing relaxing and it helps her chill out and forget about everything else that’s going on. It’s a form of escapism.”
Karly added: “It’s great fun and I like getting to draw and paint whatever I like.
“It’s easy to use and I like the fact there are lots of colours, including pink, which is my favourite.”
The Lifelites package included a soundbeam, which enables children to create music, and a mobile magic carpet, which allows them to play with images that can be projected onto the floor, wheelchair tray or bed.
It also featured eyegaze equipment, which makes it possible to paint a picture, play games and communicate by tracking the child’s eye movements with a special sensor.
Children will also now be able to play in a sensory play tent, complete with colourful lights and relaxing music.
Sacha Parry, EACH Care Manager, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you on behalf of all the children, young people, families and staff here at The Treehouse.
“This equipment is wonderful. It works so well, engages the children and becomes an integral part of what we do. It’s truly amazing.”
Lifelites provides training, maintenance and support and aims to provide a completely new, free package of the latest technology every four years.
Chief Executive Rob Lightfoot said his charity was delighted to keep working with EACH.
“We know this technology will empower children and young people to engage and interact with the people they love and enjoy the world they live in,” he said.
“We hope this support helps them create many joyful memories.”
