IPADS, specially adapted toys and a computer children can control with their eyes are some of the hi-tech gifts that have been donated to Helen & Douglas House.

The equipment, along with training and technical support services, has been provided by charity Lifelites and is worth about £50,000 over the next four years.

It is a welcome boost for the struggling hospice, which recently announced it would have to close Douglas House, its adult care centre in East Oxford, in August.

All the items are specially adapted for children with disabilities and can be used by the youngsters to play games with their family and carers, be creative with art and music, and communicate with those around them.

One of the pieces of equipment donated was an Eyegaze system, which allows those with limited mobility to control a computer using just their eyes. By using the Eyegaze, children who can only use their eyes and struggle to control anything for themselves, are suddenly able to play a game, paint a picture or even communicate with their family and carers, some for the very first time.

Other items donated include new iPads in special drop-proof easy grip cases, a touchscreen computer, as well as a selection of games and other software specially designed to be accessible for children with disabilities.

Lifelites chief executive Simone Enefer-Doy said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide equipment for the children at Helen 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.”

The charity, which has donated similar equipment in the past, has already committed to renew the donation in 2022.

Kathy Patching, Helen House manager said: “What is really special at Helen House is the way we use play to bring out the very best in our children. We do that through sensory experiences with the help of technology and equipment from Lifelites.

“We discover what they can do, maybe find things that nobody ever thought they could do and that is why we love that partnership with Lifelites and why I think it has been so successful for so many years.

“With the increasing complexity of technology the training they give our staff is invaluable.”

“Given the recent sad news about having to close Douglas House, we need support now more than ever to help the children and families using Helen House and need regular, sustainable funding. People can help by starting to give a regular gift which could make an enormous difference.”

To make a regular donation, visit helenanddouglas.org.uk/support-us/regular-giving/or call 01865 799141.