YOUNGSTERS on the paediatric ward at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital have been delighted by a gift from the local Amazon delivery team.

Marty robots, which help children learn about computer science and engineering, were delivered to children on the ward by the team from the Amazon delivery station in Basildon as part of a commitment to inspire children to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects.

The robots will be used to help facilitate virtual Amazon STEM workshops with play specialists and children in at the hospital. The play specialists work with children who are in hospital for long periods and use play as a therapeutic tool to help them understand their illness and treatment.

The delivery of robots and STEM workshop is part of Amazon Goes Gold, Amazon's annual campaign to raise awareness and funds during the recenlty completed Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Amazon also made a donation of £10,000 to Starlight, a charity that uses the power of play to improve a child's experience of treatment in hospital and supports play specialists in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital.

Dr Krutika Pau, Director of Children's Services at Starlight, said: "We would like to thank Amazon for this donation and for facilitating the exciting workshops for children in Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital. At Starlight, we know that play and distraction are essential for improving wellbeing and reducing anxiety, fear and stress associated with being in hospital. Play can reduce isolation and increase social connection and gives children a sense of control and autonomy when this has been lost through illness."

Amazon's Basildon Delivery Station Manager, Jason Ingold, added: "Amazon is passionate about the education of children and we are glad to partner with Starlight and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital to deliver virtual workshops. We hope they will be a fun distraction for the children."