Little ones supported by University Hospitals Dorset’s Children’s Development Centre (CDC) are enjoying a newly refurbished play and assessment area at Poole Hospital, thanks to the legacy of a local businessman and the community’s commitment to helping its youngest members when they need it most.
The project – which included the installation of brand-new play equipment and sensory items –was made possible by a generous donation from Ken Thorpe, who passed away in early 2023.
Ken lived in Dorset for many decades and ran a wholesale supplier of catering equipment. When he died, he left the bulk of his estate to several Dorset and Hampshire-based charities that support children.
Alongside Ken’s incredible legacy, a grant from local charitable trust, the Valentine Charitable Trust, and donations from the community brought this revitalisation to life.
A grand unveiling of the new play area took place on Tuesday 6 May 2025, with Ken’s friends John Smith and Tim Jones, who are also his executors of his estate, in attendance alongside over a dozen University Hospitals Dorset colleagues and children and families supported by the CDC.
University Hospitals Dorset’s lead health play specialist, Caroline Fawcett, said: “We’re very grateful for the donations to update the outdoor play area at the Children’s Development Centre!
“The play area provides a space where children can freely be themselves and engage in play that supports their emotional wellbeing, physical recovery and developmental progress. Not only is this a resource for the paediatric services provided at the Children’s Development Centre, but also an essential part of holistic paediatric care.”
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity head of charity, Debbie Anderson, said: “We are so profoundly grateful to Ken Thorp, and his friends Tim Jones and John Smith who were appointed his executors, for bringing to life this remarkable play area where children can find moments of joy and respite.”
The play area’s major makeover includes a range of stimulating equipment for the hospitals’ young patients, including a nautical-themed climb and slide area, fun animal spring rider, colourful sensory items, swings and more.The design was carefully considered so that children of all abilities can slide into fun and create lasting memories while undergoing treatment.
Tim said: “Knowing how much Ken cherished supporting children in Dorset and Hampshire, we – John and myself as his friends and executors of his estate – felt the refurbishment of this play area at Poole Hospital was a fitting way to honour Ken’s legacy.
“He had such a generous heart, especially when supporting the health and wellbeing of children in our community. To think this vibrant new space will now be filled with laughter and joy, providing a little escape for children supported by University Hospitals Dorset, would have meant the world to Ken.”
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to Ken for his profound and enduring legacy of care for children in the community and his friends Tim and John for their support. The charity also would like to thank the Valentine Charitable Trust and the community across Dorset for their fabulous support.
Feeling inspired by the difference a lasting contribution can make to children supported by University Hospitals Dorset? Learn more about leaving a legacy to support future generations of patients and their families on the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity website here.