Crosshouse Children’s Fund is enlisting an army of volunteers across Ayrshire and Arran to support its fundraising mission this autumn.

The fund was launched in May this year by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and raises vital cash for enhanced equipment and support services at University Hospital Crosshouse’s Paediatric, Maternity and Neonatal Units.

It requires in the region of 50 volunteers to support its efforts over the next six months.

Volunteer roles will include everything from bucket collectors to cheer squad members to support a series of fundraising activities, including the charity’s Crosshouse 5k Mud Challenge on Saturday, October 5. Volunteers are also needed for a number of bag packs at supermarkets across Ayrshire.

Shona Cardle, chief executive at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “In just a few short months, communities right across Ayrshire and Arran have shown generous support through fundraising and donations, and we are hugely grateful for every penny raised.

“As we approach another busy few months of fundraising, we are also asking people to consider donating their time to us. Even if you can only spare an hour, you’ll be helping to make a difference to the lives of babies and children in hospital in Ayrshire, and their families. We need 50 volunteers to support our fundraising activities this autumn, so we encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with us to find out more.”

Each year at University Hospital Crosshouse, almost 8,000 babies, children and young people are treated within the Paediatrics Department; more than 4,000 within Maternity Services; 500 at the Neonatal Unit and almost 13,000 are seen in the Emergency Department (ED).

To find out more about volunteering opportunities or to show your support for Crosshouse Children’s Fund, please call 01292 435 197 or visit www.CrosshouseChildrensFund.org.