Ambassadors

Charity ambassador, James O’Hara, is co-founder of Tramlines, Day Fever and Crossed Wires, and co-owner of Public, Ambulo, Fagans, Kelham Island Brewery and Leah’s Yard. O’Hara is an Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Sheffield and an avid supporter of Sheffield’s creative industries, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Will is a Marketing & PR specialist with experience working with household names across the world. Most recently Integrated Marketing Director at Global Image powerhouse Getty Images. Will has developed a reputation for developing strategic campaigns to enhance brands and build awareness and understanding of often maligned communities and causes. While now being a London resident, Will grew up in Sheffield and still maintains strong links to the city through friends and family. Will also made good use of Sheffield Children’s in his youth, and has seen the amazing care delivered to his nieces and nephews over the years. Most recently successfully treating his nephew for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Having experienced the amazing work the hospital does first hand, Will is committed to helping us raise our profile and fundraising efforts to further enhance our facilities and capabilities.

Jerry Cheung, originally from Hong Kong, came to Sheffield in 1975. Since then, he has worked in both the public and private sectors as a mechanical engineer, restauranteur, and most recently as the Managing Director of New Era Development (UK) Ltd. An award-winning entrepreneur with over 35 years’ experience, Jerry is passionate about giving back to his community and has dedicated much of his time to the development of Sheffield’s China Town, New Era Square – realising his vision for a “cosmopolitan, international, multi-cultural square for ‘’Live, Work and Play that is available to all”. In his free time, Jerry also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire Lieutenancy. Jerry is former Chairman of the Sheffield Chinese Community Centre, Honorary Chairman of the Doncaster Chinese Elders Association and former Governor of Sheffield High School. In 2022-23, Jerry teamed up with Sheffield Children Hospital’s Charity (SCHC) to organise the Sheffield Chinese Lunar New Year celebration. The event raised £24,000 for the hospital and bought diverse communities together as well as raising money for a good cause. An event so successful that it will be scaled up in 2024 and he hope to double or treble the money raised. A father of two, enabling children and young people to receive the best quality medical care is a cause which is very close to Jerry’s heart, and he is deeply honoured to be an Ambassador for the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Matt Ferguson is a Graphic Designer and Artist from Sheffield in the UK. Matt is best known for working with Marvel Studios & Disney designing the artwork for Marvel’s Avengers Blu-Ray collection and official Star Wars promotional posters. He also regularly exhibits at galleries in the US including Bottleneck Gallery and is well known in the industry for his beautifully stylised creations for established Film and TV properties. Matt and his family have been recipients of amazing care at Sheffield Children’s and he would like to be able to give something back and help the hospital in any way he can.

Rowan has lived in Sheffield all his life. He was born in the Jessop Wing, just around the corner from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he was admitted two months later for a serious chest infection. That was the beginning of his and his family’s appreciation and gratitude for the amazing care given by the dedicated staff at Sheffield Children’s. His love of motorsport began at a very early age and has seen him compete and win at national level, first on two wheels and now on four wheels as he races on circuits around the UK. In 2019, he was recruited to the Young Racing Driver Academy, a motorsport specific programme focusing on developing the best young talent. Rowan is a British Champion having won national karting titles in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Rowan progressed to an intensive testing programme in Formula 4 single seater race cars with Arden Motorsport Racing Team. He follows a specific fitness training regime and tests at speeds of up to 150mph on large circuits, such as Silverstone, in preparation for racing single seater cars in 2024. Rowan recently needed an x-ray and again had the benefit of the superb facilities at Sheffield Children’s. This strengthened his desire to support the hospital and the charity, and he is looking forward to working with them to raise funds and awareness of their life changing work in the community.

Dom is the Head of Live Events and Venues for Sheffield City Trust. Dom arrived in Sheffield in 2005 when he took the position as General Manager of the Sheffield City Hall and reopened the venue after an 18month refurbishment programme. Since then during his time with the Trust he has been GM of Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Head of SIV Events and has been in his current position where his responsibilities include the leadership of the Sheffield Arena and the Sheffield City Hall. Over the past 25 years Dom has worked in some of the most prestigious live events venues in the country and has dealt at the highest level with the largest & most successful major events organisers in the UK & Europe. These include theatre producers, sports rights holders, concert promoters and corporate event agents & associations. Since arriving in Sheffield Dom has worked closely with The Children’s Hospital Charity on countless projects. He is a firm believer in ensuring he uses his senior position to deliver and influence whatever improvements he can for Sheffield Children’s Hospital no matter how big or small and we are privileged to have such a facility in this city.

Dave McCarthy is the Head of Operations at Sheffield United FC. For the last 10 years, Dave has incorporated into his busy role at the club, the responsibility of overseeing the Blades’ charity work, which includes working closely throughout the year with the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Passionate in his steadfast support of the charity, Dave has worked on various initiatives and fundraisers, creating income, and also raising awareness of the hospital and the charity both to supporters, colleagues and to the Sheffield United Board of Directors. An FA Council member, Dave combined a banking career in the city with playing for and managing non-league football clubs, which included spending a very successful decade as manager of the world’s oldest club, Sheffield FC. This was proceeded by playing professional football overseas in 3 different countries and during his time employed by the Blades, Dave has been seconded to top clubs in Hungary and China, acting as CEO/Managing Director, before settling at Bramall Lane into senior operational roles. ‘’I was always aware of the hospital and its special place in the history of Sheffield, but now having worked on various project and initiatives with the charity for almost a decade and seen at close quarters the work that takes place inside the hospital and of those that work within it, I feel privileged to have been asked to be an Ambassador. “Each Christmas, I look forward to organising for members of United’s men’s and women’s first team squad to visit the children and hospital staff so as they can see for themselves what a special place Sheffield Children’s Hospital is. Going forward, I look forward to using my contacts inside and outside of football to help and support the charity so as they can build on the fantastic work they already do’’

Kelvin Quick is a proud Sheffield entrepreneur and long-time supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Through his businesses, China Red Restaurant and Joomak, Kelvin hosts annual fundraisers and community events, raising thousands of pounds each year. Kelvin said: “My passion lies in rallying the community around causes that matter to us all, and helping to amplify the charity’s message across South Yorkshire through cultural occasions like our Lunar New Year celebrations. “I’ve always believed that businesses should be more than just places to eat or shop — they should be part of the heartbeat of the community. Supporting Sheffield Children’s is my way of giving something back to the people who’ve given me so much. Every pound raised helps make a difference to a child’s life, and that’s something worth working for.”

I’ve lived in Sheffield since I was three years old and have worked within the sports sector for 25 years. For twenty years I worked in grassroots football in South Yorkshire and since then have been the Chief Executive of Skateboard England and Skateboard GB. My main focus is to prepare the governing body and the sport of skateboarding for its debut in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. During the past twenty years I have been a trustee of several sports charities and organisations including South Yorkshire Sport, the Sheffield Council for Sport & Recreation, Football Unites Racism Divides and the Sheffield United Community Trust. I was a governor at Dore Primary School for 6 years up to July 2017 and am currently a trustee of the Mercia Learning Trust. I’m very passionate about Sheffield Children’s and the work of its amazing charity. As a child and a parent I have first hand experience of the fantastic work that the Children’s Hospital does and I am keen to give as much support as I can to the charity as an Ambassador. Its also been a real pleasure to help raise funds for the charity through running and cycling events; more recently as part of the FatLadsFromDore.

Nancy Fielder is editor of The Star, and a born and bred Sheffielder. She is passionate about using the strength of the local press to fight for the areas they represent and champions the Steel City at every opportunity. Nancy worked at newspapers around the country before becoming the first woman to edit a newspaper in her hometown. Nancy, as a mother of three is a huge supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital – and grateful, as are all Sheffield parents, to have such an incredible institution on her doorstep. She completed a PhD focusing on the impact on mobiles on the distribution and consumption of local news and takes part in newspaper reviews on both Sky News and the BBC as well as other national television channels.

Sarah is an Deputy Chief Constable with South Yorkshire Police and has lived in Sheffield since 2014. With 23 years policing experience in South Yorkshire and Thames Valley, Sarah has worked across many different areas of policing but has spent the majority of her time working within the world of vulnerability and child protection. She is passionate about safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children. Sheffield is now Sarah’s home, where she is bringing up her children and feels extraordinarily lucky to have a dedicated children’s hospital on her doorstep.

I’m James and I’m Sheffield born and bred… and therefore Sheffield Children’s was somewhere that I frequented often growing up, whether it be for bumps and bruises, broken fingers and sprained ankles playing sport or when I spent five days in the Hospital one Christmas to have my appendix removed. I’ve also seen first-hand the amazing work and impact that the Charity does for children who have needed it for something far more life-changing. Having been involved in various events such as Theo’s Glow Run, golf days and hosting some of our Theo’s Big Night in Quiz evenings during lockdown, I absolutely love the fun that’s had by patients, their families, staff and supporters! Wherever I am in the world covering sport in my job for the BBC as a broadcaster, people are always amazed and intrigued when I tell them about how lucky we are to have a dedicated children’s hospital right here in Sheffield.

Assistant Manager of the famous Sunday league football team, Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is a long-term supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Hosting charity events and supporting the charity team, Steve has played a huge role in raising over £160,000 through events such as An Evening with Barry Bannan. Steve is passionate about Sheffield Children’s, truly recognising the impact Sheffield Children’s has globally.

Uriah (Uri) Rennie was one of England’s top referees. He took charge of over 300 Premier League games and was on FIFA’s international referee list. He was featured as one of the FA’s Ten Black Icons during Black History Month in October 2020 and has addressed the anti-discrimination group, Kick it Out, to improve equality and inclusion within the game. As well as being widely connected in the worlds of football and TV, Uri had a keen interest in all things local and, as he put it, in “levelling the playing field for others”. Uri was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2023 and went on to become Chancellor in May 2025. Uri sadly died in June 2025. He was a remarkable man, and had been an extraordinary supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity for many years, officially becoming a proud ambassador in 2021. During this time he played a vital part in helping us to support the thousands of patients and families at Sheffield Children’s. Uri was a trailblazer in all that he did, and had an incredible ability to connect with people and communities. His kindness and generosity touched the hearts of everyone he met, and he contributed to the charity with passion and confidence, leading various events and activities, and helping to fund life-changing healthcare for children. He was a fantastic advocate for our cause, championing connections across the country. He has undoubtedly inspired and influenced countless generations, and will be missed by so many.

Premier League football referee, Darren England, has supported Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity for numerous years. Having children himself, Darren is keen to help Sheffield Children’s as much as he can! Darren said: “Refereeing football matches in the biggest and best league in the world – the Premier League is a huge privilege. Equally, becoming an ambassador for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity is too. “I am keen to spread the word and showcase the amazing work the charity does to support the heroes (children and staff!) at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. From refereeing the Theo Cup to attending events, I will do as much as I can to ensure this amazing charity goes from strength to strength.”

I’m delighted and honoured to be supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital Charity in an ambassador role. I owe my life to Sheffield Children’s and so it’s particularly special for me to be able to give back in this way. I want to help raise the profile of the wonderful hospital and the excellent service it has provided to me and my family. I’ve been involved in sport since my early years, throughout school and university and now, as Managing Director of Emprise Group, encompassing The R66T Academy and The Barmy Army. Participation and inclusion in sport is something I’m passionate about, particularly because sport can be used as a powerful tool to support communities, encourage people to live healthier lives, promote peace and international development. I’m excited to share the incredible work of the charity with my network and to get involved in any way I can, for the hospital and it’s staff that I’m so proud to support. I am incredibly excited to get started as an ambassador and give something back.

Melanie Bancroft has supported Sheffield Children’s for over a decade, being passionate about promoting the work of both Sheffield Children’s and the charity, including assisting in the promotion of our biggest campaigns, including Snowflakes and sculptures. Melanie also brings Sheffield businesses together at fundraising networking events in aid of Sheffield Children’s, engaging with the charity and corporate supporters to raise vital funds. Melanie said: “Sheffield became my adopted home when I became a fresh-faced 18-year-old student at Sheffield Hallam University and even then, I was aware of the incredible children’s hospital and how lucky we are to have it. Now, as a parent, I’m even more grateful and I’ve witnessed at first hand the compassion and all-round brilliance of the staff. Getting involved in the charity to support the work of the hospital seemed the most obvious thing to do. It was then that I discovered more about the full range of services that are provided. It’s not just about the building on Glossop Road! “A priority for me is better mental health in our children and young people and so any support I can do to help is time (and money) well spent. If anyone wants to find out more about how they or their business can get involved, please let me know!”

I’m Iain Robertson, ex Parachute Regiment, Rock & Roll bodyguard/Tour Manager and Station Commander with Gloucestershire’s Fire & Rescue service. Having seen, firsthand, the extraordinary work the Sheffield Children’s do, it is my absolute privilege to be given the chance to play a small part in future fund raising and awareness activity. 2021 will see us making someone’s dream come true as they free-fall parachute with the world’s preeminent display team, The Red Devils, and some ambitious plans will come into fruition around live, and streamed music. Having worked with Oasis, George Harrison, Mick Jagger, Johnny Rotten, Spandau Ballet, Gary Moore, BB King and numerous other noisy rock stars, I am available to discuss collaborative projects, or just offer a little (hopefully) helpful advice. No project too small, no idea too ambitious. Just tell me how I can help!

Yinka is a Specialty Doctor in Community Paediatrics and Neurodisability at Sheffield Children’s Foundation NHS Trust. She moved to Sheffield in September 2017, and is proud to be an adopted daughter of the beautiful city of Sheffield. Yinka also works as a Non-Executive Director for the Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS TRUST and as a Trustee for the Steel City Choristers. Being originally from Nigeria Yinka grew up seeing the devastation which resulted from the lack of prompt, affordable, and accessible emergency care for children. So, when it was time to celebrate a milestone, she decided to have a charity dinner and also start running marathons to raise money for the Charity. She has continued to raise money for projects for the Children’s Hospital Charity by taking on many challenges like the Virtual London Marathon or our Glow in the Park event.

As a mum of two, Annabel knows only too well the benefits of having the amazing Sheffield Children’s Hospital on our doorstep. During her marketing career, she has set up and run prestigious National Award events, participating in and running judging panels. With a passion for nurturing the potential in young people, Annabel pursued a second career as a secondary school teacher. Annabel said: “We can never underestimate the incredible work and dedication of the medical team and staff at Sheffield Children’s. The treatment and care of children from the UK and across the world is outstanding. “It was great to be able to use my professional experience to help support the charity team in launching the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity Awards back in 2018. It’s been a real privilege to help judge these awards, which recognise the initiatives and individuals, groups & businesses that year after year support the charity and hospital with volunteering and vital fundraising to make a difference. “It’s also been great fun participating and fundraising for the charity events, including Percy Pud and The Great North Run. Also taking part in the very competitive Wild Card quiz nights! I’m committed to supporting the charity in every way I can, helping to ensure every child continues to receive the exceptional care they deserve.”

Singer Jon ‘the Reverend’ McClure, can boast as being one of the true natural frontmen of the modern era, a songwriter of intensity, vision and seemingly boundless energy, never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. With six Top 20 albums under their belts, Sheffield rock’n’roll radicals Reverend and the Makers have carved out a niche for themselves as one of the most enduring acts on the British musical landscape. With a passion for truth, a hatred of injustice and a belief that music should have something to say, amassing a diehard ’Rev army’ that sells out shows the length and breadth of the country. Jon said: “Simply put Sheffield Children’s Hospital saved my son’s life when he had meningitis. All across the city I have friends and relatives with similar stories. It is with that in mind that I feel we should be doing everything in our power to help this amazing institution. I think it’s the thing we ought to be most proud of in Sheffield.”

I first became involved with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity from connecting with and building strong relationships with the fundraising and corporate teams. Over the years I have been lucky enough to be involved in many ideas and projects that allow products to be produced then sold to raise money or achieve awareness goals. My business allows me to source quirky branded merchandise for the Charity to use and it is great fun to work with the team. I have always tried to think of other ways to help the Charity and there is always a willingness to listen to ideas from the people who work tirelessly for this amazing cause. I am proud that I have been able to support those fundraising events and campaigns. That could be an annual snowflake, entering teams and sponsorship of golf days as well as our 40th anniversary fitness challenge for lockdown mental health. Office picnics and cake bakes too. I am delighted to have been asked to be an Ambassador and will work hard to support SCHC whenever I can.

Born and bred in Sheffield, Zahid proudly represents his roots. A self-employed businessman and passionate philanthropist, he’s affectionately known as a “walking billboard” for his tireless community engagement and visible commitment to local causes. One cause especially close to Zahid’s heart is the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. After his niece Ayesha received vital care there, Zahid and a close friend raised nearly £9,000 toward a new scan machine and were honoured to attend its opening ceremony. He believes we are fortunate to have one of the best children’s hospitals in the UK and is committed to helping it grow even stronger. For Zahid, this work is about giving back, creating impact, and leaving a legacy that truly matters. Zahid is deeply involved in faith and community work as well as sports and fitness, bringing enthusiasm to everything he does.

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder and captain Barry Bannan became an ambassador for the Charity in January 2024. Bannan has shown support for the Charity throughout his time with Sheffield Wednesday. In 2023 he took part in the Charity’s Women’s World Cup challenge, #5forTheo, and shared the story of 10-year-old Sheffield Children’s patient and football fan, Ronald, to social media. He also auctioned a shirt to fans and raised an incredible £2,655 before raising an epic £65,000 from hosting his event, An Evening with Barry Bannan. The evening featured Sheffield Wednesday legends from the current squad and icons from days gone by. Barry said about his role as an ambassador: “I’ve got two lovely children so supporting Sheffield Children’s is so important to me. If I can use my voice to share the work of The Children’s Hospital Charity, it’s an honour. We’re saving lives by raising these funds and we were all touched when we visited as a team at Christmas.”

Maxwell has lived in Sheffield his whole life and earned a living as a busker for 10 years, locally and overseas. His life changed when he was accepted to compete in ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2022, eventually finishing as a runner-up. Since then his career has taken a leap into performing professionally all over the country. Maxwell says: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be an ambassador for The Children’s Hospital Charity, knowing what an important job they do and having experienced the care at Sheffield Children’s first-hand as a child myself. The nurses were so kind and caring. “My son was admitted to A&E and received the same level of care and support 20 years later, which was lovely to see.” Maxwell has also recorded the solo, debut charity single ‘Believe’ to raise funds for the charity.

I first became involved with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity during the Herd of Sheffield sculpture trail in 2016. I repaired and painted cars and got a call one day asking the question: “Could I repair Elephants!?” Strange request, but when I was told why and the cause, I was more than happy to help. We repaired the elephants in situ on the trail, all over Sheffield City Centre, usually at about 5am when the sun was coming up, so they would be spotless for visitors during the day. We also spent a week in the unit at Meadowhall when they were off the trail, and awaiting the auction repairing them back to their former glory so they would fetch the biggest donation. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Charity Team was infectious, it sucked me right in. Going forward, I’ll help Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity in any way I possibly can, I have two kids who have both had treatment at the Sheffield Children’s so I know how lucky we are to have such a brilliant facility it on our doorstep!

Carl Asaba is a retired footballer who enjoyed three years at Sheffield United under the management of Neil Warnock. While at the Blades, Carl fell in love with the people and city of Sheffield and never left- he is now approaching his 20th year as an honorary Yorkshireman! Throughout his time in Sheffield, Carl has been touched by the care provided by the region’s hospitals- from treating football injuries, to welcoming his three children into the world and caring for loved ones. Carl explains: “Put simply, I feel I owe Sheffield. I’ve a great career, with my most found memories in front of some of the most supportive fans in the world here. But I’ve also benefitted hugely from our healthcare services, so I am honoured to be able to take up this role and give something back to the city that has given my family and I so much. “I hope to utilise my contacts in football and in my current work in the Supercar world to generate funds and awareness for Sheffield Children’s. It’s a place we hope we never have to visit with our young, but when we do, through accident and illness, we go knowing our children will receive the very best of care from the very best of staff and hopefully soon in the very best of environments!”

I am passionate about Sheffield Children’s and the charity that supports it. Having worked alongside the Charity team whilst managing their social media marketing, I learnt much more about the amazing people who work tirelessly to ensure the continued develop of this incredible medical facility for children not just in the South Yorkshire region, but from all over the world. As a mum of two ‘out there’ kids who love their sport, I have turned to ‘the Children’s’ as we like to call it in Sheffield, for care of broken bones, viruses and anything that causes a worry… how lucky we are! The people of this hospital are so dedicated but also modest and I feel enthused to shout about the excellent care and treatment provided as well as the continued development of the services at Sheffield Children’s. In 2019, I was fortunate enough to be asked to MC The Children’s Hospital Charity’s first awards evening. I love to get involved with fundraising events and am continually impressed with the ingenuity and sheer determination of our fundraisers, quite often in the face of adversity. I very much look forward to hosting the next awards when it is able to take place.

Shane is Sheffield born and bred. He’s the CEO of Firehouse Fitness, Sheffield’s independent commercial boutique gym group. They have developed a reputation for being one of the leading service-based fitness facilities. Shane says: “I’ve lived in this city my whole life, 35 years now. We have always had community at the centre of our business, I attended the hospital myself as an infant and my own two children have also attended, so I truly recognise the importance of what this charity does for such an important part of our community.”

My association with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity began with a freefall skydive in 2005, it was quite an entrance!! This followed in 2007 by completing the New York Marathon and raising over £21,000 in sponsorship, I loved it, my knees hated me. So I decided that while raising money for this amazing hospital was wonderful I could also help in other ways by volunteering my time and professional skills aswell. My day job involved being an auctioneer so myself and the gavel stepped up to the rostrum and I began conducting auctions for the charity. My charity career highlight to date was HERD of Sheffield Auction in the summer of 2016, we raised £410,000 on the night with those wonderful Nellies. The hospital does an incredible job and the charity mirrors that in their passion and enthusiasm so to be asked to join this extraordinary team as an ambassador I was utterly thrilled. My commitment to this inspiring hospital started with a leap of faith 13000ft up and I’m proud to be taking my new ambassador steps alongside them for a long time to come!