Leeds Hospitals Charity

03/09/2026

This could be you...🎖️

Join our amazing community of fundraisers at one of our events and help to improve the experience of patients and their families at Leeds Teaching Hospitals!

We've got a number of fundraising challenges coming up waiting for you to get involved...

Sign up to:
🏃‍♀️Inflatable 5k: York (26 September 2026)
🏃‍♀️Leeds Abbey Dash (29 November 2026)
🏃‍♂️London Landmarks Half Marathon (4 April 2027)
🏃Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and Half-Marathon (9 May 2027)

Find out more, and sign up > https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Pages/Events/

02/09/2026

From throwaway to runway: our Upcycle Volunteers showcase their incredible creations on the catwalk! 🪡

A few weeks ago, our Upcycle Volunteers took part in the Kirkstall Art Trail Sustainable Fashion Show, and our amazing volunteer event photographer, Kwabena, was there to capture the magic 📸

The runway theme was 'Dreamscape', and each of these three outfits were created using unwanted wedding skirts, donated to our shops.

Helena created The Shepherdess: Insomnia. The Shepherdess walks through the night, guiding her flock to those who cannot sleep. Made from cushion covers destined for landfill, two walking sticks and bedding, the outfit was modelled by Cali.

Jackie created a stunning outfit inspired by Sleeping Beauty, nature and honeysuckle, using a duvet cover destined for landfill. The design was modelled by Jackie's daughter.

Jax created a striking dress inspired by nightmares, fear and darkness. Bra cups painted as eyes around the hem added an unsettling finishing touch, bringing the theme to life. The outfit was wonderfully modelled by Jax's mum.

This Secondhand September, we're hoping the creativity and imagination of our Upcycle Volunteers will inspire you to create something of your own.

You can also become part of our Upcycle community at Leeds Hospitals Charity, gaining access to unusable donations and helping to raise funds for our hospitals at the same time.

Find out more: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/volunteer-for-us

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

"I found wearing the mask so claustrophobic... New technology that could spare other patients from going through the same experience would be amazing."

Pam knows first-hand how difficult cancer treatment can be.

Thanks to supporters like you, we've now raised over £250,000 towards the Leeds Cancer Appeal.

Every donation brings us closer to funding new radiotherapy technology at Leeds Cancer Centre, helping make treatment kinder, more comfortable and less distressing for patients facing cancer.

While we've reached an important milestone, there's still a long way to go to reach our £1 million target.

Together, we can improve treatment and care for cancer patients, donate today: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/leeds-cancer-appeal

26/08/2026

“I find it really uplifting and inspiring to be able to play here and maybe just improve the day a little bit of the people who are here.” 🎹

Meet Adela, one of our incredible piano volunteers making a difference at Leeds Cancer Centre.

Visiting hospital can be an anxious experience for patients and their families, but volunteers like Adela help to change the atmosphere at the Bexley Wing.

Thank you Adela, and our other brilliantly talented piano volunteers!

24/08/2026

This is your sign to sign up for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon or Leeds Half-Marathon!

Not ready for a marathon? Why not join us in November for Leeds Abbey Dash.

Sign up ➡️ https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Event/rob-burrow-leeds-marathon-2027

21/08/2026

Dahlias for Rob 💜

A Barnsley dahlia grower has propagated a new variety of dahlias named in honour of the late rugby league legend, Rob Burrow CBE.

79-year-old Robert Hendley is a retired professional dahlia grower who has donated some of the Rob Burrow dahlias to Leeds Hospitals Charity for the garden of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Robert told us:

“I’ve always been a fan of Rob and enjoyed watching him tear apart defences over the years at Leeds Rhinos, but I also have a personal connection to MND. When I used to be an adventure training instructor in the forces back in the 1980s, I worked alongside my friend Martin. He was enthusiastic and full of life, but sadly he died after being diagnosed with MND in his late twenties.

“He had a young son just like Rob and it was heartbreaking to watch him lose his ability to do anything for himself. Back then no one had heard of MND or knew much about it, but now, thanks to Rob raising awareness, people know about the condition.”

The dahlias are now in bloom for patients, families, and staff to enjoy as they enjoy the sunshine in the outdoor space over the summer months.

Read the full story here: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/news/dahlias-named-in-honour-of-rob-burrow-bloom-in-garden-of-mnd-centre-in-leeds

20/08/2026

"Play lets you move past some of the frightening parts of being in hospital and start living with your child again. You can have moments of enjoyment and a bit of normal family life, even while you're there." – Alex, dad to Jackson

When 11-year-old Jackson was admitted to Leeds Children's Hospital with appendicitis and needed surgery to remove his appendix, it was an anxious time for both him and his family.

Like many children facing an operation, Jackson felt worried about what was ahead.

"I was worried about having surgery, especially because everything took longer than I expected."

But through the support of hospital play, Jackson was able to focus on something other than his fears.

"Play took my mind off things."

During his recovery, play continued to make a difference.

"Because of play, I always had something to do when I was bored."

For Jackson's dad, Alex, play transformed their hospital experience too. What began as worry and uncertainty became an opportunity to spend meaningful time together and create moments of normal family life.

"Because of play, as a parent, you can move past some of the worrying things and start to enjoy time with your child. You can have a bit of life inside the hospital."

Because of Play, children like Jackson can feel less frightened, less isolated and more like themselves during a hospital stay. And because of play, parents can focus on making memories with their child, not just managing their worries.

Support our Play Team through the link: https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Appeal/leeds-childrens-hospital

19/08/2026

This is your sign to come to the Children’s Halloween Toddle...🎃

Grab your Halloween costume and join us for a spooky themed walk around Roundhay Park, all while raising money for children and young people at Leeds Children's Hospital.

It’s just £5 to register your under 5. Accompanying parents, carers, siblings and supporters are all welcome to join us as we raise funds for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

📆 31st October
📍 Roundhay Park
🎟️ £5 for under 5s, accompanying adults free

https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/Event/toddle

18/08/2026

Climbing Kilimanjaro for MND 🏔️

Daniel Lee, along with his two sons Sacha and Gabriel took on the challenge of a lifetime: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.

Living in Leeds, the family have been hugely inspired by the dedication shown by Kevin Sinfield and the incredible support he has given to this cause. His commitment has shone a light on MND and brought people together in the fight against it.

As well as the incredible £10,000 raised on justgiving, Daniel personally match funded the donation, bringing their total to £20,000 towards the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.

Thank you Daniel, Sacha and Gabriel for taking on such an unforgettable journey and for supporting patients and staff at the Rob Burrow Centre for MND.