Meet the team of mini fundraisers working hard in lockdown to give something back to Sheffield Children's Hospital

The coronavirus pandemic has seen many of the charity’s usual fundraising events cancelled or postponed and, as a result, The Children’s Hospital Charity’s fundraising has declined by more than 60 per cent in recent weeks.

But now a team of mini-money-makers from across the region are getting creative to support the hospital that was there for them in a time of need.

“I started making art for our windows to cheer people up during lockdown and thought other people might like some paintings too,” said eight-year-old Amelia Richardson, who is selling her artwork, featuring rainbows and glittery flowers, for the charity.

“I wanted to raise money for Sheffield Children’s because we are so lucky to have it here and I wanted to make sure other children were okay.

“I broke my ankle last summer dancing at school, and my mummy took me to the hospital in a taxi, where I got a green cast with glitter on it.

“I hope the money I’ve raised helps everyone get through this a little better.”

Self-proclaimed ‘couch potato,’ eight-year-old Isabelle Smith, is planning on taking on a family walk of 11km to say thank you to Sheffield Children’s, where she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2012.

The tumour, a low-grade glioma, is a benign non-cancerous growth and Isabelle attends scans every 12 months at Sheffield Children’s to monitor its progress.

The care Isabelle received inspired ‘Team Izzy,’ a group of family and friends who have run marathons and held events for The Children’s Hospital Charity, raising over £15,000 so far.

Mum Loran, aged 33, said: “We had to cancel our last fundraiser, but we wanted to support the hospital, so we started the challenge at 3km and said for every £100 we raise we’ll add a kilometre.

“I keep breaking the news to Izzy, it’s going to take a lot of bribery with sweets!

“I’m thrilled we’ve raised so much. Whilst everyone is at home, I know a lot of our friends have been furloughed or are self-employed, so it goes to show what an incredible bunch they are.”

Nine-year-old Lacey-Mae Wearing donated her birthday money to The Children’s Hospital Charity during a recent appointment.

Laicey attends the Medical Daycare department every six weeks for infusions to treat colitis.

Dad Philip said: “Laicey always likes to donate and help The Children’s Hospital Charity.

“She was watching all the lifesaving work the NHS are doing now on TV and decided to take her birthday money in. She said ‘this is for looking after me and everyone else.’”

Lacey-Mae added: “The people here are very kind, they look after you and I have lots of friends here.

“They also save lives every day, so I wanted to help them and say thank you.”

Visit www.tchc.org.uk to donate online, call 0114 321 2470 or text SHEFFCHILDRENS to 70085 to donate £5.

This costs £5 plus your standard message rate.