Ref. 28557-23Children were showered with toys at Swindon's Great Western Hospital thanks to generous gym members.

Sophie Black, nine, from Park North, was among 29 youngsters on the children's ward who received a belated Christmas present from the Swindon Marriott Hotel Leisure Club, in Pipers Way.

She said: "I wasn't feeling so good this morning, but this bear has helped me feel better. It's a cool surprise."

Her mother, Debbie, was equally pleased with convoy of gifts.

She said: "This is a lovely way to cheer the children up. Sophie has been in for a few days now with stomach pains and this has really made her smile."

Teresa Wyatt, 32, play specialist at the GWH, was delighted with the surprise delivery.

She said: "It is always lovely to receive toys. And these donations are particularly special because January can be a quiet time after all the festive excitement."

Some 50 people gave the toys to the leisure club, in exchange for 12 days free gym membership as part of a promotion called the 12 Days of Christmas.

Holly Thomson, new membership adviser at the Swindon Marriott Leisure Club, said: "It has been fantastic seeing so many smiles. The children really loved the presents and we are grateful to all our members who gave so generously."