Fundraising: Celebrating our past and the children who inspire our future
Of all the ways to begin 2026, this one feels particularly special. This year, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust marks its 150th birthday, and alongside it, Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity celebrates 50 years of supporting that incredible care. Two milestones, one shared story, and a chance to reflect on what makes this place so extraordinary.
For a century and a half, Sheffield Children’s has been there for families at the moments they need it most. For the last 50 years, our charity has existed to help them go further, funding the equipment, spaces and enhancements that help brilliant clinicians deliver the very best care. For our charity, this anniversary year is about celebrating that partnership, the people behind it, and the difference we make together.
As we start those celebrations, there’s no better way to remind ourselves why this matters than through the story of children like Myla.
When Myla was just four-years-old, she was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Emergency Department after her family noticed unusual bruising. Tests revealed she had a rare and serious blood disorder called aplastic anaemia - a condition where the bone marrow stops producing enough blood cells. In Myla’s case, her bone marrow was completely empty.
She needed a bone marrow transplant to survive. Thanks to a life-saving donor match, and the expertise, compassion and determination of the teams at Sheffield Children’s, that transplant was successful. Today, Myla is back at school, enjoying being a child again.
Stories like Myla’s are why our charity exists. Our supporters help us fund vital medical equipment and transform specialist spaces, including the Haematology and Oncology Unit where children like Myla receive treatment.
As we celebrate 150 years of care and 50 years of charitable support, we’re looking ahead with pride, gratitude and ambition, determined to keep making a difference together, for every child who needs us, now and for generations to come.