This week, Leeds Hospitals Charity have announced Ben Shires as their latest charity ambassador.

Ben who was born at Leeds General Infirmary, is a celebrated children’s television presenter has appeared on TV favourites including Officially Amazing, Match of the Day Kickabout (CBBC) and Dig Detectives (Sky Kids).

The award-winning presenter is excited to be the charity’s ambassador with particular focus on supporting some of our region’s youngest patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital, especially after he became a dad for the first-time last year.

In October, Ben will be joining hundreds of toddlers, their siblings, and parents at the charity’s second annual Halloween Toddle, a one kilometre walk for under 4s at Roundhay Park on the 22^nd October, raising funds for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Ben explains why he wanted to become an ambassador for Leeds Hospitals Charity:

“Leeds is a place close to my heart and I feel like I owe the city something. I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador for the charity, it’s given me the opportunity to give something back, particularly at a time when we all need and value the NHS so much.”

Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, said:

“We’re thrilled to introduce Ben Shires as an ambassador. He is well known and loved by many young people and their families, and his support and enthusiasm to get stuck in will help us raise the profile of the charity and how donations make a real difference to poorly children and their families.”