A HAMPSHIRE telecoms company has donated iPads to University Hospital Southampton to support staff and patients in staying connected with loved ones.

ElemenTel has provided 16 iPads to be used at the main hospital, as well as raising money for a further 34.

Ceri Stafford, Legal and Finance Director at ElemenTel, said: “I can’t begin to imagine how tough it is to not see your children, partner or parents for that long, so we want to help people keep in touch by providing these iPads.”

Ceri will run 26.2 miles, the equivalent of a marathon, within seven days to raise donations for the iPads. In addition, her 7-year-old daughter Zara will run 10km – the exact distance between the ElemenTel offices in Romsey and Southampton General Hospital.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/team/elementel.