INSPIRED schoolchildren are the latest in a line of generous donors to the Colchester Hospital Time Garden Appeal.

Youngsters at Chappel Primary School have decorated Christmas baubles to sell at their fayre today [fri 2].

The money raised will go to the appeal, which aims to create a special garden at Colchester General Hospital.

It has an overall target of £160,000 to create a specially dedicated space for use by terminally ill patients and their families.

Chappel school's year five and six teacher Jane Banks said: "The school council always supports a local charity and try to raise as much money as they can through the school year.

"This year they thought it would be nice to support the Time Garden."

The appeal is headed up by Bev Pickett, whose children attend the school and who is the hospital's end of life facilitator.

She said: "I think it is really sweet. The children have heard little bits of me talking about it.

"My six-year-old had to explain in assembly what it was as well. I think it is lovely."

The appeal has now raised more than £20,000 thanks to a number of donations.

Mrs Pickett said one, of £1,700, came from a masonic lodge.

Other fundraising pledges have included from Angela Isherwood who plans to run the London Marathon in April for the appeal.

And Lea Kirton, a specialist palliative care nurse at the hospital, hopes to run the Colchester Half Marathon for the appeal in March.

Mum Jacqui Critch is also in the process of booking a skydive for the appeal, Mrs Pickett said.

In addition, the Time Garden Appeal recently made it through to the shortlist of projects which could receive up to £25,000 from the Aviva Community Fund.

The winners of the Aviva Community Fund will be chosen by a judging panel and announced on January 10 next year.

The garden will include a pavilion with space for two beds, a seating area, and its own utilities so people using it can make drinks, listen to music and be kept warm during colder times of the year.

Located in the courtyard between the Emergency Assessment Unit and Radiotherapy Centre, the garden would be the only one of its kind in the east of England.

Chappel school's fayre is open to the public and takes place between 3.30pm and 5pm today. Entry is free.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/cohoc/timegarden