Charity work: Clegg's wife accepts role as patron of children's hospital

But now Miriam Gonzalez Durantez is to use her profile by becoming a charity patron for the Children's Hospital in Sheffield.

She will join other well-known supporters of the charity, which raises money to support the work of the hospital, including former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, World Heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis and top golfer Lee Westwood.

The hospital is close to her husband's Sheffield Hallam constituency and is part of Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, one of only four specialist children's Trusts in the country.

Ms Gonzalez Durantez, who works as a partner for international law firm DLA Piper, said: "I am delighted to become a patron of The Children's Hospital Charity.

"It is a great pleasure to champion the work of an organisation which does so much to support the wonderful people at The Children's Hospital who do amazing things every day to help and care for children and young people not just from Sheffield, but across the region and beyond."

The hospital has been providing specialist care for children up to the age of 16 for more than 100 years, dealing with more than 180,000 appointments each year.

In her new role Ms Gonzalez Durantez will act as an ambassador for The Children's Hospital Charity, which funds specialist medical equipment, research into the prevention and cure of childhood illness, new facilities to extend the range of treatment provided and improvements to the hospital environment.

David Vernon-Edwards, director of The Children's Hospital Charity, said: "Having such a well-known individual like Miriam, who is also internationally recognised, showing such enthusiasm for our work is sure to bring great benefits for the hospital and ultimately our young patients."