A CHARITY which helps some of the Royal Bolton Hospital's youngest patients is urging people to embrace their inner child to raise much needed funds.

MedEquip4Kids has helped thousands of children and raised millions of pounds to buy equipment for hospitals across the North West.

The charity is also currently funding revolutionary technology in the diagnosis of meningitis at Royal Bolton Hospital.

It is currently celebrating its 30th birthday, and to celebrate the occasion kind-hearted fundraisers are being asked to turn the clock back to 1985.

Bosses are also calling on people to do something childish fundraising activities in the workplace, such as playing a game of Buckaroo, having a jelly and ice cream eating contest or building a fort in the office.

The fundraising campaign was launched to time with Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving after the sales on Black Friday and the rush of Cyber Monday.

Paul Cocker, fundraising manager at the charity, said: “As well as providing medical equipment, we also build child-friendly spaces, sensory gardens and provide distraction toys to children’s wards, so kids can just be kids.

“To celebrate our anniversary and to help us keep providing these vital support services to young patients, we are asking the public to do something childish and fun, and raise funds so that we can help more local children’s wards and take the fear out of hospital visits for young children.

“For those who love the 1980s why not hold a 1985-themed Christmas party to celebrate our founding year with all things 1985 and raise money?

“Back to the Future was the hit movie in 1985. Back to the Future 2 went forward to 2015. You can travel in time too.

"This could be the time to break out those shoulder pads and skinny ties you have been holding on to just in case they ever came back into fashion."

People are invited to organise a charity event, or alternatively make a donation.

To donate £5 (or another amount) to MedEquip4Kids now, text "£5 Kidz05" to 70070.

To find out more about MedEquip4Kids, visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk or call 0161 798 1600.