Glow in the Park is the charity’s family-friendly fun run that takes place every December, and invites supporters to walk, run, or jog the route while donning Christmas-themed, glow-in-the-dark attire.
Due to popular demand, this year a shorter distance was added to the Glow schedule, offering participants the choice between a 2k route at 5.30pm or the long-standing 5k route at 7.30pm. The new 2k distance was added to make the event accessible to even more supporters, helping to make this year’s the biggest Glow in the Park ever.
This year, over 500 participants - the most the event has ever had - took part, including many junior sports teams, a pair of flamingos, and a team dressed as presents fit for a giant tree.
The money raised will support the charity’s arts programme, Art+, in providing art and music workshops for children and families across Sheffield Children’s. Art+ provides inclusive and creative workshops, led by professional artists and musicians, at Sheffield Children’s. Workshops are designed to bring joy and calm to children and young people, offering moments of magic during what can be difficult times.
The top fundraisers on the night were the Crosspool FC Under-10s team, who together raised an incredible £2,316. After narrowly missing out on the top spot last year, the team have now been awarded a snowflake on Sheffield Children’s Hospital for the charity’s 2026 display in recognition of their achievement.
Thanks to the new shorter distance, seven-year-old Theo Gowen, the younger brother of one member of the Under-10s team, was able to take part too.
He said: “I did really well, I counted what place I came and I came eighth! At the beginning I got to blow the air horn to start the race, which was really fun, but I think the best bit was raising money for the hospital.”
The event was also supported by colleagues from Sheffield Children’s, with teams from the Emergency Department, the Radiology Department, the Medical Daycare Service, and more getting involved.
Many participants were motivated by the incredible care at Sheffield Children’s, including 12-year-old Myla-Mae Thatcher.
When Myla was four-years-old, she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia, and had to receive a bone marrow transplant. After receiving life-saving care at Sheffield Children’s, she has become a dedicated fundraiser, having taken part in the last three Glow in the Park events.
Myla said: “After everything they’ve done for me, I don’t know how I could ever repay them, and now I get involved with the charity whenever I can. I love how it [Glow in the Park] brings people together and gives people a chance to get donations to help children like me.”
John Armstrong, chief executive of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We were delighted to see such a brilliant turnout from so many of our valued supporters.
“An incredible amount has been raised, that will support our arts programme, Art+, to bring creativity, calm, and engagement to the hospital environment. Just £17 funds a workshop for a child, so the money raised tonight will make a huge impact and help to make bad days brighter for our patients and families.
“The event was very kindly supported by our charity ambassador, Alex Gardner, who hosted; Endcliffe Park Café, who provided hot chocolates for all participants; Firehouse Fitness, who led the warm-up; Dean Atkins Photography, who provided media services; Wildlife Agency, who provided PA systems, props and more; Crazy Faces Barnsley, who did the face painting; plus the Oughbridge Brass Band and the Hallmark of Harmony Brass Band.”
To find out how you can help make the difference for Sheffield Children’s, visit sheffieldchildrens.org/get-involved
1. Contributed
Over 500 supporters took part in a festive fun run for Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity. Photo: Submitted
2. Contributed
The top fundraisers on the night were Crosspool Football Team Under 10's team. Photo: Submitted
3. Contributed
Seven-year-old Theo Gowen blew the horn to set off the 2k run. Photo: Submitted
