Thanks to everyone who took part in the Chatsworth Walk on Sunday

Over 400 kind-hearted supporters of Sheffield Children’s Hospital took to the iconic grounds of the Chatsworth Estate on Sunday morning (23rd June) to raise money for a new Emergency Department.

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s walk spanned Chatsworth House, Lodge Hill and the medieval Stand Woods, before passing the Hunting Tower, the Swiss lake and historic Aqueduct. Participants chose between the option of a 3km or 10km route, making the event open to everyone.

Many young participants also helped find charity mascot Theo Bear’s lost possessions along the way and families also took the opportunity to enjoy a celebratory picnic by the Golden Gates after completing the challenge. With sponsorship money still to be collected, the total raised for the hospital was already more than £15,000.

Every penny raised will help the appeal to transform the Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. It was built to see a maximum of 32,000 patients a year, but now sees 60,000 every 12 months from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The expanded department would create much-needed space, particularly for patients arriving following a major trauma, who can require up to 15 members of staff at any one time in their treatment.

It would see the waiting room expand to four times its current size, with more treatment, consultancy and examination rooms as well as a dedicated space for children to play. It will make a difference not just to the care children receive but the way they receive it.

Rachael Thomas, Event Fundraising Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was a fantastic event today in a wonderful family atmosphere. We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces stride out this morning in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

“A new Emergency Department has never been more needed as we strive to build a better future for young patients from across the region who depend on their life-saving care.”

The next event for The Children’s Hospital Charity is Theo’s Obstacle 5K, a fun run at a new location of Hesley Wood Scout camp on Saturday 13th July. There are ten obstacles and with a course that features inflatables, foam, water and mud, it promises to be a fun-filled day out for all the family.