New play area for children at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford

Children in hospital will soon benefit from a brand-new play area, thanks to the fundraising efforts of an international logistics provider.

Europa Worldwide Group has already donated £10,000 to fund the initiative at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

The business pledged to raise £16,000 for the scheme, after an employee noticed the current area was in disrepair.

The money will be used to install ship-themed play equipment for patients being treated on Willow Ward.

A fundraising page has been created to raise the rest of the money, alongside challenges being undertaken by staff.

Europa's Leeds branch manager, Nathan Lynn, and regional manager, Adrian Redmile, raised £650 by completing the Sheffield half-marathon earlier this month.

The project is important to the company as the group's 1hub headquarters are based in Albion Road, Dartford, just ten minutes from Darent Valley.

Many employees and their families have been treated there.

A sports day, raffle, balloon race and dog racing evening are just some of the events currently being planned by staff members.

HR and facilities director at Europa Worldwide Group, Carl Potter, said: "We are thrilled with the response to our Justgiving page and the efforts of our brilliant staff across the UK.

"We hope to raise all of the money needed for the new playground in time for the warmer weather and this is a fantastic start.

"The Darent Valley Hospital is very close to our hearts and it’s wonderful to see so many people getting involved."

To support Europa's fundraising efforts, donate at its JustGiving page.