Charity appeal over better future for Yorkshire children's hospital raises £2.8m

The Kik family from Dore are among those backing the appeal after Ellena, pictured with big sister Evie, mum Genna and dad Matt, was airlifted to hospital after collapsing as a tiny baby.

The Campaign from the Children's Hospital Charity hopes to build a new emergency department and on-site helipad at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Building work has begun to relocate a child assessment unit at the hospital by October, providing the space for the emergency department to expand.

This is much needed, the hospital charity says, as it was built to see 32,000 children a year but now sees almost 60,000, from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The expanded area would create much-needed space, particularly for major trauma patients in critical condition who can need help from up to 15 members of staff at any one time.

It would also see the waiting room expand to four times its current size, with more treatment, consultancy and examination rooms, as well as more space for children to play.

Over the past year, supporters from across the region have been fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Many took part in the charity’s ‘Golden Hour Challenge’ which raised more than £30,000 with match-funding from two donors, including Graham Royle of GRI Group.

There have been sponsored walks, and obstacle courses, and a number of families including that of Ellena Kik have shared their stories to back the appeal.