“We had the most amazing day”

As well as celebrating their love for one another, when Sam and Nicole walked down the aisle together last month, they made a lasting difference for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Instead of gifts, the happy couple asked their guests to make a donation to The Children’s Hospital Charity’s appeal for a new Cancer and Leukaemia ward, raising an incredible £2,715. Guests also sported charity mascot Theo Bear pin badges as wedding favours.

The couple were inspired to make a difference by the care their son, 11-year-old Charlie Leeks, has received. Charlie has been undergoing treatment on the ward for a brain tumour since November 2020.

Nicole, 31, from Stocksbridge explained: “We had the most amazing day. It was lovely to have all our family and friends together at last and see them all laughing and smiling, the weather was beautiful for October too!

"It means the world for us to have raised so much money for Ward 6, I can't believe how generous all our guests have been. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made a donation and helped celebrate our day with us. We appreciate it more than you will ever know.”

The money raised by the thoughtful gesture has helped transform the ward into a larger, brighter space with a better playroom in the heart of the ward.

It will maximise the view of Weston Park, making patients feel connected to the outside whilst they are getting better. There will also be improved spaces for parents to stay with their children.

Last month, The Children’s Hospital Charity successfully completed the £2.75M appeal for the new ward, which will be completed early next year.

Nicole added: “The care we have received has always been exceptional, the staff make you feel at ease and go above and beyond to make the hardest times more bearable. I'm so excited for the new ward to be open.

"It might be difficult to comprehend what a huge difference the new facilities will make unless you've lived the reality of having a child with cancer, but it will make a really difficult time so much easier. For parents to be able to sleep comfortably next to their child will make the world of difference.

“It will also provide families with privacy when they need to just take a moment alone, and more rooms overlooking the park will be amazing.”

The next strand of The Children’s Hospital Charity’s mission to transform Sheffield Children’s will see focus turn to the hospital’s Major Trauma Centre, with fundraising underway for a new on-site Helipad and a redeveloped Emergency Department.

To support the appeal this Christmas, please click here.