A councillor who has first hand experience of the importance of staying in contact with loved ones while in hospital has stepped in to help families in a similar position.

Paul White, Cornwall councillor for Camborne Roskear, has used some of his Community Chest grant money to buy iPads for patients at St Julia’s and Mount Edgcumbe Hospices, and Camborne-Redruth Community Hospital, also setting up JustGiving fundraising.

He knew that when he suffered a devastating stroke just under five years ago, having family to visit made all the difference.

As this is no longer possible for many patients, due to the continuing coronavirus restrictions, he wanted to help those who do not have their own iPad or phone to keep in touch with loved ones at this time of crisis.

Mr White said: “I became very worried about people in hospitals and hospices, as they would not be able to have any visitors due to coronavirus restrictions.

"I know from my own experience how important it is to see your family and friends when you're seriously ill - It really helped me to recover from my catastrophic stroke almost five years ago.

"I had the idea of fundraising for iPads so patients would at least be able to see and talk to their families and friends online.

"I am delighted to have raised the funds to donate six iPads and hope they will provide some help to those isolated from their loved ones during these continued difficult times for us all.”

Four of the devices were given to help Cornwall Hospice Care patients and the remaining two to Camborne-Redruth Community Hospital.

Louise Ranford, of Cornwall Hospice Care, said: “A huge thank you for donating four iPads to the Cornwall Hospice Care, this will allow us to connect patients and loved ones virtually during these difficult times."

And Denise Williams, from Camborne-Redruth Hospital, said: “All the staff on Lanyon ward greatly appreciate your fundraising and the donation to the stroke unit of two IPads.

"This will improve the quality of patient/relatives experience whilst they are an inpatient.

"Visiting has been restricted throughout Covid and the ipads will help with keeping in touch, we will also be able to use for therapy.”

The iPads were provided at cost price by Redruth firm iCT4, with managing director Glyn Pascoe saying the company was delighted to support the project.