YOUNGSTERS at the newly opened Julia's House children's hospice can now use cutting edge technology for games and communication thanks to a donation from a national charity.

Lifelites has given a package of equipment, training and technical support worth £12,500 to the hospice in Devizes. Among the items handed over was a magic carpet which projects an image on to a floor, wheelchair tray or bed to allow children to play.

A spokesman for Lifelites said: "This technology gives them the chance to escape the confines of their condition and play one of the many games or animations, such as playing football or splashing in the sea.

"The children also received an Eyegaze. This is a piece of equipment which allows those with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes. By using the Eyegaze, children who struggle to communicate with their family and their carers are able to do so – often for the first time."

Other items donated included iPads, touchscreen computers along with games and other software specially designed to be accessible for children with disabilities.

Julia's House lead nurse Heather Philpotts said: “This amazing technology is going transform the play time at the hospice and beyond in the community. Julia’s House is all about giving every child the chance to join in and have fun creating memories no matter what their physical limitations.

"A big thank you to Lifelites for this fantastic equipment, especially the Magic Carpet which is already proving a hit with all the visiting children and families. The nurses and carers have had fun exploring its full potential too."

Simone Enefer-Doy, Chief Executive of Lifelites said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide equipment for the children at Julia’s House who have life-limiting, life-threatening and disabling conditions.

"The magical technology we have donated can be used to play, to be creative and communicate, and enrich the lives of these children and their families, for as long as it is possible. We couldn’t have provided this package if it wasn’t for the generosity of our donors, so for this we are incredibly grateful.”

Lifelites has donated equipment to every children’s hospice in the British Isles over the last 17 years, and continues to provide new technology and ongoing support to ensure that children in hospices have unlimited possibilities.