Our guest editor for this edition of Inspired is our Running Ambassador, Matt Jump.
Matt has been a champion for Alder Hey for many years and has a passion for running and Alder Hey. We are truly grateful for his support – thank you Matt.
Hi,
My name is Matt Jump and I have been fundraising for Alder Hey since the 1st January 2020, where I ran 5km per day, every day for the whole year.
Since then I’ve been part of the dragon boat racing as a member of Liv Donald’s Ducks and completed other running challenges to keep the vital funds coming in.
My motivation to become a part of the Alder Hey fundraising pack was after my good friend’s daughter was rushed to Alder Hey at birth to receive a lifesaving operation on her heart. When I became aware of the incredible things this hospital does, I knew I had to start doing something to give back at least a small offering for what Olivia received at the hospital. Her life was saved because of one of the incredible Alder Hey surgeons.
The care she has received since then has been outstanding too.
I’m currently training for the Chester marathon on the 5th October, after completing the Chester 10km and half marathon.
This is the infamous ‘Chester triple’ so I’m feeling really proud to have Alder Hey on my vest for all of these races.
I hope you enjoy this latest edition of Inspired.
C
H A
R I T Y N E W S
Alder Hey Children’s Charity was honoured to be shortlisted for the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Charity of the Year in 2025. While we didn’t take home the trophy this time, standing alongside such incredible charities was a win in itself.
It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together through the collective power of fundraising.
Thank you to all of you, our amazing supporters throughout the year, for continuing to drive us forward and to inspire us every single day.
We’re delighted to introduce you to three new members of our team: -
Jas Sahota Community Fundraising Assistant
Nguyen Corporate Partnerships Assistant
Riley Marketing Manager
Hannah
Jo
We are constantly inspired by the support shown to Alder Hey and the amazing, ingenious ways people have raised money to make a difference to our young patients and their families. Here are just a few of the brilliant activities and fundraisers that have inspired us recently.
Aughton Male Voice
Choir held a charity concert and raised a tuneful £500.
We were delighted to be one of the Mayor of Knowsley’s Charities of the Year and to receive a fabulous £15,000.
Ellie Bretherton from the hospital switchboard took part in a charity boxing match, raising a punchy £650.
TO OUR FABUL
Thank you to everyone who entered our ‘Reds Raffle’ which raised over £10,000. Congratulations to all of the winners who won signed Liverpool FC memorabilia and stadium tours.
Peter Quinn and Carole Daniels, volunteers for Charity Aid, sang their hearts out at Tesco Litherland raising an uplifting £901.
OUS SUPPORTERS
The hugely talented Evelyn Porter made this stunning handmade rug featuring Oli-land to sell in our Charity Shop. She also did some LFC and EFC ones for the football fans coming into the hospital!
Jessica Thompson raised an amazing £1,275 by running the Port Sunlight 10K to thank the hospital for ‘restoring son Arthur’s quality of life’.
Fabian Morley and his amazing mum Georgia, nan Jane and aunt Chantelle organised the Thunder Ball – a glamorous charity night at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool. Raising an incredible £33,000 for Alder Hey and two other charities who supported them when Fabian was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma. Fabian rang the end of treatment bell last August.
The ThalaPoorna School of Sri Lankan Dance held a truly magical ‘Little Hands – Big Heart’ evening of Sri Lankan Dance at the Lighthouse Theatre and raised a fabulous £2,306.67.
We continue to team up with our friends at Big Yellow Self Storage and our supporters can get 50% off storage for up to eight weeks and an extra 10% for as long they stay. Scan the QR code for a quote.
*Terms & Conditions apply.
Our running team has been going from strength to strength over the past 18 months with record numbers of supporters participating in a wide variety of running events all over the world.
Time and time again, we see supporters taking on running challenges for Alder Hey, each with their own deeply personal reasons for putting in the miles. Behind every step is a story of determination, hope, and a desire to make a difference for the children and families we care for.
Why I Run is our way of celebrating these stories. It gives runners the chance to share what drives them to get out there, push through the tough moments, and cross the finish line. Whether it’s in memory of a loved one, a personal challenge they’ve overcome, or simply the joy of running for a cause they believe in, every story is unique, and every story matters.
We want to champion our supporters, celebrate their achievements, and highlight the incredible impact they’re making. Every step taken, every mile run, and every finish line crossed helps Alder Hey continue its vital work, bringing care, comfort, and hope to children when they need it most.
We were delighted to secure places for the 2026 London Marathon recently.
Meet a few of our runners who were successful in our ballot…
‘Our little man Logan was extremely poorly and was blue lighted from ‘Ysbyty Gwynedd’ to Alder Hey. He had suspected Intussusception of the intestine. We spent 6 weeks with the team at Alder Hey, Logan had a very extreme case of IGA vasculitis. The care Logan had was out of this world.
For the first 10 days we did not leave Logan’s side. The nursing team were amazing and allowed both mum and dad to stay on the ward even providing additional sleeping facilities.
The medical treatment from all the doctors and nurses were first class, but the care and compassion they showed was truly heart warming. Everybody at Alder Hey were amazing: cleaners, ward chefs, volunteers, trainees, patient liaison team, the list goes on, they all took the time to speak to Logan and check up on how he was doing. A truly caring environment.
Six months on Logan is on the mend. We still have regular visits to Alder Hey and he has a long way to go, but without the care and quick actions of the doctors and nurses at Alder Hey, we could be telling you a very different story. We are eternally grateful (more than you will ever know).’
Join the Alder Hey Running Club on Facebook
JORDAN BURNETT
‘Because you saved my son’s life!
Finding out on our honeymoon we were having a baby was the best feeling ever. However at 36 weeks pregnant our world would change forever. Our baby boy was diagnosed with a severe heart condition called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We had no idea what this would hold for us! But with us every step of the way was Alder Hey.
After 3 open heart surgeries and with a 20% survival rate as a baby, you operated saved his life and mine while I had a breakdown. You supported my whole family.
Fynley will be 10 on Christmas Eve - he will be my biggest supporter and if helps one person how you helped me then it’s worth every step.’
COURTNEY BENSON
‘On the 12th of August 2024, our world changed forever when we tragically lost our beautiful son, Harvey William Connor at just 12 years old in a heartbreaking accident. In those devastating moments, Alder Hey
Children’s Hospital gave us the gift of time.
In the year before losing Harvey and since then I’ve had my own battle with breast cancer a journey that tested every part of me physically and emotionally. Through that, my children were my strength. Harvey, alongside his brothers Alfie and Elliott kept me going through every treatment, every tough day. They made me fight harder and love deeper.
This October 2025 I will be undergoing my final surgery.
Now, I’m channelling all of my love, grief, and strength into something meaningful: I’ll be running the London Marathon in memory of Harvey, in honour of Alfie and Elliott, and in support of Alder Hey’s incredible Snowdrop Suite.’
To find a running event for you please visit www.alderheycharity.org/tag/run-for-charity
Taking on a running challenge? Have a story to tell? Share your #WhyIRun story with us and let’s celebrate the people who run not just for themselves, but for every child at Alder Hey. Contact joanne.bartels@alderhey.nhs.uk
NUALA'S STORY
Each year, Alder Hey provides care to over 450,000 children and young people.
Behind every statistic is a personal story, stories of courage, hope, and resilience. One such story is that of Nuala, whose life was transformed by the expert care she received and the generosity of our supporters.
At just 10 months old, Nuala was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer known as Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. This uncommon form of cancer presents significant challenges in diagnosis due to its subtle symptoms and rarity. Fortunately, the hospital had access to specialist diagnostic equipment, funded through charitable donations which enabled the medical team to identify her condition early and accurately.
Early diagnosis was critical. Nuala underwent surgery to remove the affected eye, followed by a course of treatment delivered by Alder Hey’s dedicated paediatric oncology and ophthalmology teams.
Her care was not only clinically outstanding but delivered with the compassion and reassurance that families so desperately need during such a difficult time.
Now two years old, Nuala is a happy, healthy, and confident toddler. She enjoys spending time with her older brother, Jack, and is proud to represent Alder Hey as a fundraising ambassador, helping to raise awareness and inspire others with her story. Nuala also featured as part of our development kitchen for the Little Explorers ready meal range in partnership with Iceland and Mumsnet, which launched in Iceland stores earlier this year.
Her mother, Megan, shared:
“ When Nuala was diagnosed with cancer, we had no idea how we would put one foot in front of the other. But Alder Hey put the colour back into our world. The support we received was priceless. Donations paid for equipment that detected Nuala’s cancer early, allowing treatment to start quickly. We’ve seen first-hand how those donations also make a child’s stay in hospital brighter and more comfortable.”
Nuala’s story is a powerful reminder of the real and lasting impact that charitable giving can have. Every donation to Alder Hey Children’s Charity helps fund life-saving equipment, innovative treatments, and facilities that support not just the child, but their entire family during the most difficult times.
By donating to Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you are investing in better outcomes for children, faster diagnoses, and more positive hospital experiences. Together, we can continue to transform lives, one child at a time.
Together, we can continue to transform lives, one child at a time.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE
By supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you help to make a difference for all the babies, children and young people that use Alder Hey’s services every single day. From funding pioneering research and medical equipment, to creating lifechanging magical experiences, here a just a few of the ways that you have made a difference in the last six months:
£11K BOOST POWERS PATIENT REHAB
£11,000 of donations were used to upgrade gym facilities in Therapies, crucial for the effective rehabilitation of patients recovering from injuries or debilitating conditions.
FUNDING DRIVES PIONEERING MEDICAL INNOVATION
£9,213 was allocated to enhance Alder Hey’s Innovation Hub, ensuring staff can continue to push the boundaries of pioneering medical innovation.
SPECIAL DAY OFFERS PRECIOUS MOMENTS FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS
£3,000 funded a Family Fun Day for young adult and teenage cancer patients across the Merseyside network at Alder Hey and Clatterbridge hospitals, giving them and their families the chance to make lasting memories.
ALDER HEY EXPANDS EUROPE’S LARGEST
VIRTUAL HOSPITAL TOUR
£29,750 was allocated to phase two of Alder Hey’s Matterport project, Europe’s largest virtual hospital tour, designed to help reduce anxiety for children attending hospital appointments.
FUNDING SECURES VITAL
CHILD LOSS SUPPORT
£200,000 was approved to fund the Child Death Helpline at Alder Hey for three years. This national service, run by the Alder Centre, supports family and friends affected by the death of a child
CRITICAL CARE UNITS GET NEW BREASTFEEDING FACILITIES
£5,000 was approved to renovate the breastfeeding rooms in the Critical Care Unit, ensuring mothers can feed their newborns in the way they choose, even during challenging times
FUNDING DRIVES PIONEERING MEDICAL INNOVATION
£46,250 was approved to fund an Epilepsy Nurse, providing specialist care for children affected by epilepsy on the neurology ward
HELPING FAMILIES FOCUS ON THEIR CHILDREN'S CARE
£65,000 was used to provide food vouchers for families at the Treetops Restaurant, helping inpatient families focus on their children’s care without worrying about meal costs during the most difficult times.
THEIR LEGACIES LIVE ON
Last year Alder Hey Children’s Charity received £903,899 through gifts in wills.
These gifts play a vital role in helping to care for the next generation of children and families at Alder Hey.
In loving memory and with heartfelt thanks to the following people who left a gift in their will to Alder Hey last year and whose legacies live on in the happy, healthy futures their gifts are helping to secure.
Mary Proctor Thomas
Kathleen McMullin
Stewart Mackintosh
Neville Hodson
Brian J Fleming
Joseph Pollard
Dorothy Selleck
Ruth Wild
Martha A Blackham
June Alexandra McCartney
Colin Anderson
Leonard Malcolm Sorrell
Alan Evans
Laurence Crossley
John Fisher
Maurice William Farr
June
Mary Taylor
Susan Lewis
Rodney Goodheart
George Capstick
Kathleen Agnes Palmer
please contact our Legacy Fundraiser Megan at megan.innocent@alderhey.nhs.uk
COAST TO COAST
Our very own Running and Challenge Manager Adam Dixon took on an epic challenge this summer to run 208 miles, Coast to Coast in just 7 days.
Starting in Hornsea on Monday 18th August, Adam followed the TransPennine Trail, raising over £6,000 for Alder Hey, the Owen McVeigh Foundation, and the Rainbow Hub, before finishing in Southport on Sunday 25th August.
Averaging 29.8 miles each day, Adam ran for a total of 49 hours, pushing him through both the physical and mental pain barrier.
Carrying the bare minimum kit, Adam resorted to fashioning a couple of walking poles out of some sticks
on the side of the trail to help his painful shin splints and attempted to combat the loneliness of the long-distance runner by talking to trees and cattle!
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but giving up was never an option! Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way - from the people who kept donating to keep me going to the complete strangers who washed my running gear halfway through the challenge!”
Follow in Adam’s footsteps and join Oli, our Alder Hey Charity Mascot in his epic Coast to Coast Relay next July…
OLI’S COAST TO COAST RELAY | 17-19th July 2026
Hornsea – Southport (via the TransPennine Way)
Join Oli on an epic 200+ mile journey from Coast to Coast. We are looking for 24 teams to help Oli become the first Mascot to run Coast to Coast in England. Each team will complete a leg of the relay (between 7-10 miles dependent on leg). Teams can consist of between 4-10 people.
For further information and to register your interest please contact community@alderheycharity.org
KENDAL CALLING
Kendal Calling has supported Alder Hey for many years, donating £20,000 to date!
The music festival, which began back in 2006 is now staged at Lowther Deer Park in Cumbria and is annual staple for music lovers, hosting bands such as Stereophonics, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Mumford & Sons over the years.
Jo, a paediatric nurse from Bolton, became the first person to officially own one of our amazing new bucket hats!
This year the Charity team took Alder Hey to the fields to join 40,000 revellers in the lake District sunshine.
Armed with our newly designed bucket hats and a bespoke human fruit machine – made specially by the amazing Les (Community Fundraiser Joanne’s dad!), we had a great time and met a whole host of incredible people.
Thank you to Red Rum Club, The Wombats, Shindie and Stone for styling the bucket hats for us - they are now available in our Charity Shop in the hospital or online at www.alderheycharity.org
Red Rum Club
The Wombats
Shindie
A SPORTING CHANCE
In 2024 Jack Fielding held a charity football match at AFC Darwen in support of Alder Hey to say thank you for the care given to his son Eliot.
Jack explained, “Alder Hey is an amazing organisation that has supported our 3-year-old son, Elliott, who was born with a complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). To date, he has undergone four open-heart surgeries, life-saving surgery for an ileostomy after developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), had a pacemaker fitted due to complete heart block, and will undergo a further surgery to reverse his stoma. Despite the challenges he continues to face and will face in the future, Elliott amazes us every single day with his strength and resilience.
The match was an incredible success and inspired Jack to bring it back in 2025 and so, a rematch was born!
The rematch took place on 22nd June, between an Alder Hey team assembled by Jack and made up of players he’d played alongside over the years, and the Clitheroe Wolves’ Monday Night Dads (MND FC) - a fantastic group of coaches and parents from the club his daughter proudly plays for.
The event, which also included a half time crossbar challenge, face painting and food raised a stunning £3,535 bringing the total from both games to £7,633.”
Throughout this journey, the support we've received from Alder Hey and their incredible team has been nothing short of life-changing—for us, and for so many other families. This level of care simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations the hospital receives.
DOES YOUR CHILD PLAY A TEAM SPORT (football, cricket, rugby, netball, lacrosse…)?
D O THEY NEED A KIT SPONSOR?
Alder Hey Children’s Charity are looking for 10 junior sports teams to sponsor in 2025. For further information please contact community@alderheycharity.org
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has long been a favourite destination for many of our amazing fundraisers.
The highest mountain in Wales, standing at 3560ft it presents the perfect challenge for supporters young and old who want to challenge themselves whilst raising money for Alder Hey.
Some have climbed solo, some with family and friends, and hundreds of you have climbed it at night with us over the past 4 years.
Last year 9-year-old Martha’s life was turned upside down when a small mole on her arm turned out to be skin cancer.
Martha was treated at Alder Hey, undergoing two operations and continues to have regular checkups with the expert medical team.
To give back, Martha took on the huge challenge of climbing Yr Wyddfa and despite tough conditions she made it to the top – raising a mountainous £1,483 to support children just like her.
Martha said Alder Hey is the best hospital on Earth. They’re very good at helping children, they look after me and they made my skin cancer go away.
Thank you Alder Hey!
On 10th August 60 climbers successfully completed our 4th Snowdon at Night event.
They raised an amazing £25,000 and were rewarded by a fabulous sunrise at the top!
Inspired by the incredible care given to her little brother Codie when he underwent open heart surgery at just three days old, Naimh Booney raised £1,000 by tackling the Llanberis Path route up Yr Wyddfa.
CHALLENGE
We’re excited to announce that Alder Hey Children’s Charity are organising a brand-new event in Snowdonia for 2026 – the Yr Wyddfa Challenge.
Like the Coniston Challenge which we have organised in the Lake District for the past 15 years – the Yr Wyddfa Challenge is a team triathlon consisting of a hike up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), a bike ride through Snowdonia and a kayak across Lake Padarn.
The event will bring together a host of charities based in Liverpool who support children in the region.
GRATEFUL GRANDPARENTS
When I started at Alder Hey Children’s Charity nearly 13 years ago, I was struck by so many positive first impressions of Alder Hey – the care, the passion, the feeling of community and pride, the remarkable people, the magic.
In my role I have been privileged to meet thousands of incredible people - staff, patients, supporters and families.
One of the first things I remember was meeting the grandparents of a young patient who was in surgery. The conversation was memorable as it was the first time I’d really thought about the impact of having a grandchild in hospital.
Not only does a grandparent worry over the health of their grandchild – but very often they have the additional concern for their own child as the parent of the patient.
I’ve since met many inspirational grandparents who support the charity in many different ways.
If you are a grateful grandparent and would like to join our Grateful Grandparent Club please drop me an email at cath.harding@alderhey.nhs.uk
I’d love to hear your stories and feature you in future issues of Inspired.
Derek Russell made two promises when his six-day old granddaughter Lillian died –never to forget her and to do something to reduce
the suffering of other children and their families.
Derek has supported Alder Hey in Lillian’s memory ever since, completing the Grand Canyon and Petra treks, walking the Inca Trail and scaling Kilimanjaro – the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
ARE YOU A GRATEFUL GRA
Sign up for one of our events
– perhaps the skydive you’ve always wanted to do?
Volunteer for us
We have two charity shops who are looking for regular volunteers. We are also looking for a regular volunteer to help with our event kit and stock control.
Chris and Tina Whitehead have been supporting Alder Hey for many years in support of the care received by their granddaughter Caitlyn, a cardiac patient who had her first open heart surgery at Alder Hey when she was just 5 days old - she is now 20!
Chris and Tina are involved with The Gathering, a group representing the Irish Community in Warrington based at the Warrington Irish Club. They have raised, and continue to raise, many thousands of pounds for Alder Hey through various events with the Gathering, at the Irish Club and at Warrington Conservative Club.
Leave a gift in your will Gifts in Wills left by our kind supporters are transforming the lives of young patients and their families.
Linda Clarke has been volunteering in our Old Swan Charity Shop since the day it opened in December 2019. Known affectionately to us all as ‘Nanny Linda’ she has supported Alder Hey for over a decade in memory of her grandson Joseph.
Tell us your story, we’d love to feature you in our newsletter.
Make a regular gift
Committed givers are vital to the Charity as they allow us to plan to make a difference to our patients and their families.
Involve your group
Are you a member of a community group such as a church, sports or social club or philanthropic organisation? Why not invite us to one of your meetings where we can tell you all about Alder Hey and the work of the Charity?
100 SKIPS A DAY FOR ALDER HEY
OUR VIRTUAL CHALLENGE IN JUNE WAS TO COMPLETE 100 SKIPS DAILY FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH.
We loved seeing your skipping progress, hearing your inspirational stories, and sending out your skipping ropes, water bottles, and wellearned medals. The challenge raised £26,535.66
– thank you to everyone who got involved.
As well as the skipping challenge, Emily organised a Wacky Day for Alder Hey at school!
Brilliant Bella raised over £700 by skipping in her back garden.
Kris Burnell fully embraced the skipping challenge. Kris works on a cruise ship and kept up his challenge whilst at sea, skipping on the helipad, the navigational bridge, and duty free in full uniform before visiting local businesses for sponsorship. He shared his inspirational stories along the way and raised over £2,000!
JOIN OUR 120KM IN OCTOBER CHALLENGE ON FACEBOOK TO RECEIVE YOUR FEE ALDER HEY SHOELACES!
You can run, walk, cycle, swim or mix it up with a combination. Get your friends and family on board and keep yourself fit this Autumn. Simply log in to Facebook and search for Alder Hey Children’s Charity 120km in October Challenge.
EMMA'S STORY
11-year-old Emma has been coming to Alder Hey for over two years, ever since she was diagnosed with stage five chronic kidney disease.
Emma’s mum Gillian first became concerned when Emma developed symptoms such as fatigue and paleness and also struggled to go up and down the stairs. Sensing something was wrong, Gillian took Emma to the GP. After initial tests found that her haemoglobin levels were low and that she had fluid around her heart, she was admitted to A&E at their home in the Isle of Man. She and her mum were then transported via emergency plane to Alder Hey, where she initially received daily dialysis treatment three times per week, but has now been supported to receive at home dialysis and coming to Alder Hey monthly for a check up.
Speaking of Emma’s experience at Alder Hey, Gillian told us:
When asked what the best thing about Alder Hey was, Gillian responded:
Alder Hey has been transformative for Emma’s care and her health. If it wasn’t for Alder Hey she wouldn’t be here with us today, and they are just amazing at always making sure she stays positive even after everything she’s been through.
“ The incredible people. All of the doctors, nurses and staff across the hospital are all so nice and welcoming, which makes spending so much time here easier to manage. Emma loves everybody on the renal ward and actually enjoys coming here as it gives her the opportunity to interact with people and there are always so many activities to keep her entertained and distracted. “
Away from the hospital, Emma has a passion for play and she has not let her condition deter her from that.
Gillian said:
She still loves to play with her toys, even though she has grown out of them. She has such an imagination and her toys let her bring her imagination to life. She loves anything to do with animals and would love to be ambitious enough to be a vet one day, as her animals are a real passion for her.
“
Emma is about to go into her third year of secondary school, where due to her condition and other learning disabilities she receives teaching away from the typical classroom environment.
Emma has been given the opportunity for numerous learning opportunities at Alder Hey, receiving one-toone support in letters and numbers, which Gillian says has been a real help for Emma’s education and her learning going forward.
The next steps for Emma’s treatment is a kidney transplant. She has been on the transplant waiting list for over two years and will continue to receive dialysis until a suitable match can be found.
FROM JODHPURS TO JOGGERS
Leading Jump Jockey Henry Brooke is no stranger to Alder Hey.
A seven times rider in the Grand National at Aintree, Henry has been part of the annual jockey visit to Alder Hey alongside other jockeys including Harry Skelton, Rachel Blackmore, Alder Hey Charity Patrons AP McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald and of course the 2012 winning horse – Neptune Collonges.
After visiting the hospital in 2025 Henry was inspired to go the extra mile for the children he met and decided to undertake a gruelling 42 mile run from the home of Greenall Guerriero Racing in Malpas to Alder Hey.
Despite being an elite sportsman, Henry isn’t a huge fan of running and the furthest he had previously run was 10K! Undeterred, Henry completed his mammoth run in approximately 10 hours and has to date raised an impressive £6,272.
Thank you Henry, we look forward to seeing you again next year.
Why not enter our Mascot Grand National at Aintree Racecourse? For further details please email community@alderheycharity.org
Registration fee: £50 || Sponsorship: £250
To find out more, or to register to take part, visit www.alderheycharity.org/events, email community@alderheycharity.org or scan the QR code.
Registered Charity No: 1160661 Scan
LETTERS FROM SANTA
It’s amazing how quickly Christmas comes round every year.
No child or family wants to spend Christmas in hospital. Nevertheless, at Alder Hey we try to make Christmas as magical as possible for children and their families during the festive period.
Our Letters from Santa help us to bring that magic to all of our patients.
For just a small donation of £5 to Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you can get a personalised Letter from Santa sent directly to your loved one, whilst also helping us to give our children and young people at Alder Hey a magical Christmas.
Register for your letter at www.alderheycharity.org/latest-appeals/letter-from-santa/ or pop into the Charity office from October where Santa’s special post box will be situated.
COMMUNITY BUSINESS
We’re blown away by the incredible, creative fundraising that businesses and their staff do to make a difference to the lives of children and their families at Alder Hey. If your workplace would like to get involved in fundraising or one of our events, please get in touch at community@alderheycharity.org
The North West David Lloyd Clubs (including Leeds) held a ‘14-day membership trial fundraiser’ and chose Alder Hey as the recipient of the proceeds. The percentage initiative raised an incredible £15,570.
Thousands of young dancers from Tiny Toes Ballet, an award-winning UK-wide ballet franchise, have raised more than £30,000 for Alder Hey Children's Charity through a nationwide fundraising effort.
Children aged six months to seven years took part in fun runs, bake sales, and raffles with their families, aiming to collectively run the equivalent of a marathon
Live bands, a raffle, tombola and BBQ were in full swing at Owley Wood Recreational Club in Northwich for their annual Charity Gig held in memory of Macie Aliza Roberts. The event raised an amazing £3,500 for Alder Hey.
- 26 miles. That target was smashed, with the team clocking up more than 328 miles in total - over 12 and a half marathons!
The Liverpool office of RSA Intact fundraised by holding a Last man Standing competition. Organised by Dale Swanson the event raised £150 which was kindly match funded by RSA and presented to us at their Generosity Summit at their head office in Liverpool.
We have numerous opportunities for businesses to sponsor our events including: Oli’s Safari Walk • Yr Wyddfa Challenge • Mascot Grand National • Virtual Challenges
If your company is interested in getting involved in any of our events, or you would like further information please contact community@alderheycharity.org
A big thank you to all the amazing schools that have supported us this year. In 2024-25 you have collectively raised over £97,000!
Whether you have chosen Alder Hey as your Charity of the Year, held a one-off event or fundraised in support of one of your pupils – every penny counts, thank you.
Many of you also got involved in our annual PJ Day in October, which coincides with
the launch of our annual pyjama campaign with Matalan.
We have a host of resources available for your PJ Day whether you're wearing PJs to school, holding a sponsored sleepover, organising a raffle and cake sale or getting together in the hall to watch a movie with duvets and popcorn!
For information on how your school can get involved in PJ Day please email community@alderheycharity.org
ON YOUR BIKE!
13-year-old Tom White raised an incredible £1,850 by cycling 44 miles from Fleetwood to Kendal.
Tom was inspired to fundraise after being cared for at Alder Hey two years ago. When crossing the road on his way home Tom was struck by a car and rushed to Alder Hey where he was put into a coma with a serious brain injury.
Thanks to the expert care at Alder Hey, Tom was soon back to his cheeky, funloving self, and he credits the doctors and nurses who cared for him, giving him a second chance.
THE TOUR DE MON
In August, 16 Alder Hey cyclists took on the 12th annual Tor de Mon, a 107 mile cycle sportive around the coastline of Anglesey. With dry, sunny skies and a headwind towards the end of the day it was a perfect day for cycling.
Rhian Wyn Jones whose nephew had major cardiac surgery at Alder Hey when he was 2 weeks old raised an amazing £2,275 and said “The weather was great and the views were spectacular! Such a great course that was quite challenging at times!”
I wanted to help raise money to buy toys, equipment and provide support for families going through what me and my family went through.
To date over £19,000 has been raised – an amazing achievement by all of our cyclists.
DO YOU FANCY THE CYCLING ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?
Come and find out about our amazing Vietnam to Cambodia Bike ride in 2026 (see poster on the next page). To find out all about this amazing trip drop Adam an email at adam.dixon@alderhey.nhs.uk
