Cricket legend Joe Root named new patron of Sheffield hospital charity

Joe, aged 29, grew up in Dore, went to school in the city and continues to retain strong links to the area by also playing for Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

Now those ties to the city have been deepened with his new charity role, which will see him support The Children’s Hospital Charity’s upcoming fundraising efforts to transform the facilities at Sheffield Children’s Hospital through its Building a Better Future Appeal.

Joe said: “I have been aware of the work undertaken by all the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for some time. The care and support given to all their young patients is truly amazing. I am delighted and very honoured to be asked to join The Children’s Hospital Charity as a patron. I can’t wait to support and become involved with the Charity”.

One of only three dedicated children’s hospital trust’s in the UK, Sheffield Children’s Hospital sees more than 276,000 patients every year from across the country and around the world.

The Children’s Hospital Charity works to fund life-saving specialist medical equipment, new facilities to extend the range of treatment provided, pioneering research and improvements to the environment at the hospital.

Joe joins with the charity currently fundraising for their biggest-ever appeal, to raise £14.25 million to build a new emergency department, on-site helipad and transform the cancer and leukaemia ward.

David Vernon-Edwards, charity director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Joe, one of Sheffield’s most illustrious cricketers, will be joining us as a patron.

“As a world-class cricketer, we’re sure Joe will be the perfect fit to support the world-class staff and expertise at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We look forward to working with Joe in the years to come to deliver these new projects, which will not happen without charity funding.”

To make a donation to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital text SHEFFCHILDRENS to 70085 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus your standard message rate.