The milestone falls in a landmark year for Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, which celebrates its 150 year anniversary in 2026 – highlighting a long-standing partnership dedicated to improving outcomes and experiences for patients and families.
Since 1976, the charity has helped transform children’s healthcare for thousands of patients from across the UK and beyond. It has played a vital role in helping Sheffield Children’s go further and do more, funding life-changing equipment, supporting pioneering research and creating welcoming, child-friendly environments and experiences that transform care for patients.
Over the past 50 years, the charity has supported key developments that have shaped care at Sheffield Children’s – from funding the region’s first mobile intensive care ambulance for Embrace (Yorkshire and the Humber’s dedicated infant transport team) in the 1990s and family accommodation such as Treetop House, to investing in the UK’s first dedicated paediatric Clinical Research Facility.
More recently, donations have helped deliver major developments including a new hospital wing, advanced imaging technology, a state-of-the-art helipad and the transformation of the Haematology and Oncology ward, alongside significant long-term investment in research and innovation.
At the same time, everyday moments – from play and arts activities to resources that reduce anxiety – continue to make a meaningful difference to patients and families.
This dual focus – supporting both the extraordinary and the everyday – remains at the heart of the charity’s work.
John Armstrong, CEO of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Reaching our 50th birthday is an incredibly proud moment. Over the past five decades, we’ve seen the difference that charitable support can make – from funding major developments that transform care, to the smaller touches that mean so much to patients and families.
“What makes this charity so special is the community behind it. Thank you to all our supporters – our donors, fundraisers, partners and volunteers – who are an essential part of this journey. Your generosity powers everything we do.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to being ambitious and focused on delivering the impact that children and young people deserve.”
That same community spirit will be at the heart of celebrations marking 150 years of Sheffield Children’s in 2026, with the charity delivering the Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail. The trail will see 150 large lion and lioness sculptures alongside 150 lion cubs displayed across South Yorkshire, bringing people together once again in support of Sheffield Children’s with the aim of raising £2.8m.
Ruth Brown, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “2026 is an extraordinary year as we celebrate 150 years of care at Sheffield Children’s alongside 50 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Together, these milestones reflect generations of partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people.
“The charity has been vital in helping us go further – funding life-changing equipment, supporting pioneering research, and creating welcoming spaces that transform care. By working with our communities, supporters and partners, we can continue to provide outstanding care and create healthier futures for children and young people across South Yorkshire and beyond.”
To help Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity continue creating healthier futures for children and young people, visit sheffieldchildrens.org/donate to make a donation or sign up for a regular gift. Together we make the difference.
