Philanthropy Update: Autumn 2024

Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly philanthropy update! We’re excited to share and celebrate the incredible impact that our philanthropy supporters have had across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Together, we’re transforming the lives of staff, patients, and families at our Leeds hospitals by funding vital projects that go beyond core NHS services. From life-saving equipment and innovative treatments to research into rare diseases and providing home comforts—whatever makes the biggest impact for those who need it most.

In this edition, we’re proud to highlight the impactful projects that our generous supporters have helped bring to life. These projects are already making a tangible difference to our hospitals, staff and patients . Keep an eye out for updates and insights into our upcoming events, along with opportunities to continue making a meaningful difference.

What your support looks like:

Donations Provide Technology to Aid Speech Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients

Our supporters have helped fund iPads for the Stroke Unit, providing stroke survivors with innovative tools for speech and language rehabilitation. Patients, like David, can now engage in digital activities outside of therapy sessions, supporting their communication recovery. Staff have been trained to use specialist apps, enhancing patient engagement and progress. This initiative, aligned with national stroke guidance, has made a significant difference in the recovery journey of patients with aphasia.

Charity-Funded Technology Enhances Hospital Experience for Young Patients

Thanks to our supporters, charity-funded VR headsets are improving the hospital experience for young patients like 10-year-old Jacob, who has inflammatory bowel disease. Jacob, an active child who loves football, visits Leeds Children’s Hospital every four weeks for treatment. The VR headset helps distract him during the uncomfortable cannulation procedure, reducing anxiety. Jacob’s father, Brendon, says the device has made hospital visits more comfortable, turning a potentially distressing experience into something Jacob now looks forward to.

Providing thousands of free wigs for cancer patients

Our supporters have helped fund over £120,000 for Leeds Cancer Support, providing 1,149 free wigs to cancer patients since 2020. These wigs ease the financial burden for patients experiencing hair loss from treatment. One patient shared, “I was amazed by how good the wigs looked and felt much more self-confident on this journey. The support team’s kindness and expertise made all the difference. Thank you, and Leeds Hospitals Charity, for making this possible.”

7 Days of Play

We have launched a major fundraising campaign, 7 Days of Play, to support the play team at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

This project, costing nearly £500,00, will see the current play tea, expanded from a 5-day service to 7 days a week, meaning the team can support hundreds of more seriously ill children. We look forward to keeping you updated with this appeal.

Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters. Your contributions are vital in helping us fund innovative projects that enhance the care and experience of patients at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of patients and families across Yorkshire. We look forward to sharing more updates and success stories in the next edition.

Thank you for everything that you help us do!

To find out more about joining our growing community of philanthropic supporters please contact [email protected]

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Latest

Research: Building Excellence in Kidney Research in Leeds

Application Window: 14 July - 28 September 2026 Proposals should aim to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease.
Research: Improving End of Life Care 26/27

Proposals should aim to improve quality of care, and discharge, for people with palliative and end of life care needs in hospital.
From volunteer to Assistant Shop Manager: Fatimah’s journey

While volunteering does not always guarantee paid employment, Fatimah believes the experience helped prepare her for the next step in her career journey.
Leeds cyclist raises more than £10,000 after world record-breaking ride around England

Inspirational fundraiser Martin Mansell cycled the full perimeter of England finishing after 11 days and averaging 169 miles a day.

From volunteer to Assistant Shop Manager: Fatimah’s journey

While volunteering does not always guarantee paid employment, Fatimah believes the experience helped prepare her for the next step in her career journey.
Leeds cyclist raises more than £10,000 after world record-breaking ride around England

Inspirational fundraiser Martin Mansell cycled the full perimeter of England finishing after 11 days and averaging 169 miles a day.
72-year-old Yorkshireman takes on gruelling 24-hour challenge to support groundbreaking brain research in Leeds

Over the past two years Mike has battled cancer, undergoing major oral surgery and intensive radiotherapy treatment, but he has remained determined to give back through an extraordinary test of endurance
Leeds Hospitals Charity announces new partnership with Charlotte’s Rooms to support families in hospital

The partnership, will see Charlotte’s Rooms raise funds in aid of Leeds Hospitals Charity to create welcoming, comforting spaces for families across Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
Because of Play: Creating moments that matter at Leeds Children's Hospital

Thanks to your generosity, there are now 42 Play staff working across Leeds Children’s Hospital, supporting hundreds of seriously ill children and their families.
Leeds Hospitals Charity to benefit from Kevin Sinfield’s final ‘7 in 7’ challenge

Leeds Hospitals Charity is proud to be one of the charities set to benefit from Kevin Sinfield’s extraordinary final fundraising challenge, “7 in 7: The Grand Finale.”
Healing in nature: How a hospital garden helped Rose's recovery

Rose had never taken much of an interest in gardening before and was amazed at how horticultural therapy helped on her journey to recovery.
Robin's Story | The Play Team at Leeds Children's Hospital

Discover 2-year old Robin's incredible journey at Leeds Children's Hospital. Learn how the Play Team transformed his experience during a challenging time.
Finding moments of joy: How outdoor space helped Thomas stay close to his little girl

Thomas says spending time with his daughter in the courtyard and garden has made a world of difference during his hospital stay.
Charity funded rehabilitation garden at Chapel Allerton Hospital helps patients heal beyond the ward

Every year, around 500 people will benefit from the garden which gives patients the chance to reconnect with nature as part of their journey to recovery.