University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity has received funding amounting to £32,500 from Talbot Village Trust which will benefit both stroke patients and children.

£20,000 of the total money has contributed to the Walkerbot appeal, allowing the introduction of a brand-new robotic gait trainer, a first of its kind for the NHS in England. The device is located at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to provide life-changing care in its Stroke Unit.

The remaining £12,500 helped support the refurbishment of the Gully’s Place Suite at Poole Hospital.

Debbie Anderson, head of charity at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “We are so grateful to Talbot Village Trust for providing incredible support to our hospitals for yet another year. This generous grant has enabled us to purchase state of the art robotics, whilst also ensuring we are able to support those accessing the Gully’s Place service at Poole Hospital.”

Following the success of the Walkerbot appeal, the robotic device is now in use at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, helping stroke patients as they relearn to walk. The gait trainer was introduced in October and has provided a ground-breaking service to those receiving treatment, enabling a faster and easier recovery.

The Gully’s Place Suite at Poole Hospital provides a safe and private place for children and families to be together while undergoing treatment, with specialist support on hand.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “We are all so lucky to have such incredible NHS services in Dorset and it is a huge privilege to be able to support them so extensively. By contributing to advanced new tech such as the Walkerbot and help the refurbishment of a vital facility such as the Gully’s Place Suite, we have changed the lives of countless people for many years to come.”

To apply for funding from the Talbot Village Trust, visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org to submit an online application.

The trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in the spring.