A group of incredible fundraisers, led by his parents Charlotte and Paddy, have raised more than £15,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity in memory of their much-loved son, Cillian Gavin.
Cillian was just 22 months old when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest at home on 2 August 2025. Despite the efforts of teams at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, he sadly could not be saved. The family later discovered he had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare condition that often has no obvious symptoms until it is advanced.
The compassionate care the family received at Sheffield Children’s, inspired them to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, helping other children and families facing the most difficult circumstances.
Charlotte said: “Cillian was very smiley, cheeky and full of energy – a typical toddler. He was obsessed with lions, and a great lion roar was the first animal sound he really learnt to make, which is why it feels so special that the charity is fundraising through the Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail this year.”
When Cillian arrived at Sheffield Children’s, teams in the Emergency Department worked tirelessly to save him.
Paddy said: “They tried everything they could. Throughout the day, they kept us informed, explained what was happening, and showed us such kindness. You could see how much everyone cared, and they were clearly touched by it. A tissue would always be there when we needed it.”
After Cillian passed away, the family spent precious time with him at Sheffield Children’s specialist bereavement suite, where they were supported by the Mortuary Manager, Trudy Donn.
Charlotte said: “When I think about Trudy, I am filled with gratitude. I remember thinking that if we had to leave Cilly anywhere, it would be with her. She was amazing and so thoughtful. When we came to visit him, she’d put him in tractor pyjamas – she treated him like he was a living toddler still and that means a lot. She made us feel like she was really looking after him.
“She set him up in a room for us to see him every day, and nothing was too much trouble. He had all his little toys and teddies. Lots of personal touches.”
Paddy added: “We had time to be with him, to talk to him, to begin grieving him, and ultimately, to say goodbye. You don’t know about the care places like Sheffield Children’s can offer until you need them, but everyone treated us with such warmth, kindness and dignity. It helped us to begin the process of working out what had happened to Cillian and us.”
Wanting to give something back in Cillian’s memory, the family began fundraising for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. They created a Memory Meadow tribute in his name and, with the support of family and friends, have raised more than £15,000 through a range of fundraising activities, including the Manchester Marathon, which Paddy completed alongside family friend Alice, and a community bingo night at Bradfield Village Hall, organised by Alice through her pub, The Bradfield Plough.
Paddy said: “Doing these fundraisers, and things like having a snowflake on the hospital at Christmas, helps us remember Cillian. That’s so important because, as parents, you just want your child to be remembered.”
Funds raised through Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity help provide care and support that goes above and beyond NHS provision. Donations also help fund projects that enhance treatment, improve patient and family experiences, and create the best possible environment for care.
This year, funds raised through the charity’s Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail are helping to raise £6.3 million towards the transformation of Sheffield Children’s Emergency Department, ensuring even more children and families receive outstanding care when they need it most.
Charlotte said: “Nothing could be done to save Cillian, but the work they do to save other children means so much to us.
“There are no words to summarise how truly heartbroken we are. He was everything. Every day, we long to see his smile, hear his giggle, hold his hand and give him a big cuddle, but we also try to remember and focus on the fact that his 22 months were filled with joy and love.”
Thanks to the incredible generosity of their family, friends and supporters, Cillian’s memory is already helping make a difference for children and families cared for at Sheffield Children’s.
To support Paddy and Charlotte’s fundraising, you can visit Cillian’s Memory Meadow here, or visit justgiving.com/team/causeforcillian.
