The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US has received a $2.5m donation from multisector company Leidos for a renovation and expansion effort.

The project aims to support young patients and their families taking part in paediatric research.

Scheduled to be completed by 2027, it will increase the facility's capacity by 25%, allowing it to house up to 3,000 patients each year.

Leidos CEO Tom Bell said: “For more than two decades, Leidos has stood alongside The Children’s Inn, championing its mission to create a place like home for children and families fighting rare and complex diseases.

“This donation reflects our deep commitment to advancing medical research and supporting the courageous families who inspire us every day.”

The contribution will support The Children's Inn's $50m Building Extraordinary capital campaign, which aims to improve services and facilities for patients who work with NIH researchers to address rare and serious diseases.

Leidos said that as well as underscoring its commitment to advancing health and clinical research, its donation strengthens its collaboration with the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The company has been working with The Children's Inn for many years, offering various forms of support.

The Children's Inn CEO Jennie Lucca said: "This donation will help bring our vision for The Inn of Tomorrow to life, providing an even more welcoming and supportive environment for children and families who come to the NIH for life-saving treatments.

"Leidos’ generosity is a testament to its belief in the power of innovation and compassion to change lives."

Located in Maryland, The Children’s Inn aims to reduce the illness burden on patients and their families through educational, therapeutic and recreational programming.

Since its opening in 1990, more than 16,000 families have stayed at the centre during clinical trials.