A CHILDREN’S hospital charity has launched a kids’ activity pack as part of their fundraising campaign during the coronavirus crisis.

Rockinghorse, the official charity for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, has created the ‘Rockinghorse Force’ fun pack for children stuck at home while schools are closed.

The activity pack is part of the charity’s Be a Hero for Rockinghorse campaign, which was launched two weeks ago as a reminder that funds are still needed to support the children’s hospital, at a time when previous income streams have been diminished.

The postponement of marathons and other events mean the charity is not receiving the thousands of pounds worth of income it normally would at this time of year.

Sid Sloane, Rockinghorse trustee and CBeebies presenter, said: “Rockinghorse has been providing life-saving equipment to help sick children across Sussex for more than 50 years. However due to the current situation their funds are being seriously depleted and this will directly impact on the support the Royal Alex can provide.

“Whilst we are all having to readjust to the ever-changing situation, we want to encourage people to still think about how they can help us.

“There are lots of ways that you and your family can get involved and raise money, even while you are confined to your home.

“Children respond amazingly well to being set a challenge and this new pack provides lots of these along with games, puzzles and fundraising ideas, many of which are also aimed at helping around the home. Whatever you can do, big or small, will really help Rockinghorse at this incredibly challenging time.”

The Argus: The Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in BrightonThe Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton

Within the pack there are four challenges for children to complete which their family and friends can sponsor them to take part in.

These challenges include problem solving, making and activity tasks which are all designed to be fun and interesting.

Participants can then post pictures of their achievements on social media using the #BeaRockinghorseHero hashtag or send their success stories into the charity.

Everyone who sends in their completed activity pack along with the funds raised will receive an official Rockinghorse Force Certificate and badge, Along with the pack, Sid will also be reading stories for younger children and these videos will be posted on the Rockinghorse website every week.

During the last financial year, Rockinghorse has given away nearly £450,000 in funding to projects aimed at supporting sick children, including eight new ventilators for the High Dependency Unit at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, which have been vitally needed during the current coronavirus outbreak.

To find out more about Be a Hero for Rockinghorse go to rockinghorse.org.uk, and to donate visit justgiving.com/campaign/rockinghorsehero.

Local newspapers across Newsquest are joining forces to raise money for workers at the frontline of the healthcare crisis. Please donate whatever you can, and let us give a collective, united message to our NHS workers of our huge appreciation for their efforts. You can get involved and support our campaign by sharing our appeal and telling us why you are thankful for the NHS #ThankYouNHS on social media using the link: www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels.