A Fernieside couple has made a generous donation to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children after devising an innovative fundraising scheme. Tommy and Jeanette Simpson, of Ferniehill Road, raised money over the Christmas period through a wishing well in their front garden, into which passers-by would drop money. A spectacular festive lighting display on and around their house helped to attract donations from generous local people.

The two have raised money for the children's hospital in Marchmont for three years, after their granddaughter Amy was treated there for an abnormal kidney condition.

Tommy said, "I can't speak highly enough of the hospital staff there. It's not a wage at the end of the month that's important to them, it's the dedication to their job.

"Amy spent over a year going in and out of the hospital – she was so lethargic and couldn't speak.

"The problem was that her kidney wasn't draining properly, and the doctors there took 13 operations on her to find out what was wrong."

Jeanette said the couple had chosen to spend the money raised on material items such as videos, televisions, stationary and games.

She said, "We've done it for the past three or four years, buying things like DVDs, TV combis, crayons and dominoes for the children there. It's great to see them enjoying everything."

The couple would like to thank all the local people for their generosity, including Gilmerton Miners Welfare who made a substantial contribution to the fund.

The Christmas lights will be turned on again at 139 Ferniehill Road at the end of October – all donations are welcome.

Pictured is Amy, left, and sister Charlie with some of the items donated by Tommy and Jeanette Simpson to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.