A ward at Broomfield hospital had been handed £1,000 donation to help improve facilities for patients.

Stock Ward at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, has received the gift from leading housebuilder Persimmon Homes Essex.

The specialist ward deals predominantly with patients needing reconstructive surgery following cancer treatments.

The donation comes as part of Persimmon Homes Essex’s Community Champions scheme. Each month, the national housebuilder donates up to £2,000 to community groups and good causes in every one its 29 regional business. That’s a total of almost £700,000 a year.

Louise Grzesica, fundraiser for the cause, said: “It’s great to see large companies like Persimmon Homes getting involved with local worthy causes’ fundraising efforts.

“Although the NHS provides the absolute essentials for the ward, we are self-funded when it comes to the also much required extras to help maximise customer for patients, such as white boards to help those who can’t talk after head and neck surgery.

“The nurses that work on the ward raise money themselves to ensure that the patients, that have already endured much discomfort throughout their treatments, have a comfortable stay on the Stock Ward. We are very grateful to Persimmon Homes Essex for their donation.”

Phil Standen, Persimmon Homes Essex managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this cause as part of our Community Champions’ initiative. Some of our staff took part in a colour fun run to help raise funds too.

“Terri Smith, Sara Grainger, Chloe Marjurum, staff at Persimmon Homes Essex and Chloe’s partner Lloyd Chaplin took part in the run raising £102 for the Stock Ward.”

Terri Smith, Assistant Customer Care Manager said: “It’s always important for us to chip in and help with local worthy causes. A good friend of mine is a nurse on Stock Ward at Broomfield Hospital and although the NHS provides the absolute essentials for the ward they are self-funded when it comes to the also much required extras. The nurses raise the funds to help ensure patients have a comfortable stay on the ward.”

Phil added: “Community Champions allows us to give a little back to the areas we are building in. We give away up to £2,000 each month to two charities, so we would encourage groups in Essex to apply.”