Derby County Football Club and Derby Hospitals Charity is delighted to announce that it has reached its £40,000 target for this year's Teen Pride appeal.

The 12-month campaign was launched to raise money to improve the facilities for teenage patients during their stay at the Royal Derby Hospital.The money will go towards the first phase of the appeal - to provide dedicated space for teenage outpatients visiting the Children's Hospital.

Many young patients have been involved in the design process and given their ideas and wishes for some of the things they'd like to see.They have also supported the appeal by taking part in many of the fundraising activities that have taken place during the year, including a sponsored shave for midfielder Robbie Savage, a charity football match and a walk at Carsington Water.

Brave individuals, including Rams season ticket holder, Simon Moore, took up the mantle to raise money by taking part in a gruelling Iron Man challenge.

Derby County goalkeeper Stephen Bywater championed the cause by becoming the Teen Pride Ambassador for the year.

Rams CEO Tom Glick is immensely proud that the club have hit the target, he said: "It has been a tremendous partnership between ourselves and the Royal Derby Hospital and together we have achieved our target.

"As a father of teenagers myself I know their needs and requirements are different to the younger children and it's great that their wishes will now be catered for.

"I would like to place on record special thanks to John Vicars (Derby County Vice President Operations) and Stephen Bywater for the leadership roles they have taken in making this fantastic project such a great success."

Julie Acred, Chief Executive at Derby Hospitals, said: "We are thrilled to have reached the target.We hope that work on the new teenage out patients area will start in January so our teenage patients won't have long to wait before they have their own space."

Derby County goalkeeper and Teen Pride Ambassador Stephen Bywater said: "It has been a privilege to be part of such a wonderful and fulfilling venture and I believe the money raised will having a lasting impact on the Children's Hospital.

"As a footballer you get a lot of accolades and praise, but this has taught me that real heroes are the children and families to show great courage in the face of adversity and the magnificent staff at the hospital who care for them so well."

Derby County confirmed they had hit the fundraising target during a visit to the hospital today by the entire first team squad, football management team and representatives from the board of directors.