Snowflakes raise record-breaking total for Sheffield Children’s Hospital

Over 290 snowflakes are illuminating the city of Sheffield to support The Children’s Hospital Charity. The twinkling lights are set to raise more than £335,000, which is a huge increase on the previous record of £256,000 which was set in 2018.

The snowflakes, forged from Sheffield steel, are also decorating the exterior of Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) for the first time. More than 20 are also lighting up Pinstone Street, thanks to a partnership with Sheffield City Council.

Tchad Western, corporate partnerships manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was really inspiring to see the snowflakes this year.

“While it is fantastic to have raised another record-breaking total, the real privilege is the smiles we’ve put on the young patients’ faces.

“Every penny raised will help transform the cancer and leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for children who depend on our hospital’s excellent care.”

The snowflakes were assembled over several weeks by more than 200 volunteers from local organisations including Lloyds Banking Group, the Home Office and Wesleyan Insurance.

The biggest snowflake on Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the special tower snowflake, has been sponsored by Tesco.

This year’s fundraising will aid The Children’s Hospital Charity’s £2.75m appeal to transform the cancer and leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The ward treats children from babies through to 19-year-olds and sees patients from across the UK for treatment and surgeries including bone marrow transplants.

Under the plans, private patient rooms with en-suite facilities would be created, giving patients a place to make their own and space for a parent to sleep comfortably alongside them.

If people donate £30 or more to the appeal, their name will appear on a digital hospital and they will receive a snowflake certificate. Visit www.snowflake.tchc.org.uk to get yours.