In Touch Philanthropy Newsletter
Welcome to the latest issue of In Touch
We are delighted to have started the year with recognition from the RHS for our commitment to greenspace at Alder Hey. As Europe’s only hospital in a park, we know the healing benefits of having access to outside space and are so lucky to be based in such a beautiful and nurturing environment. You can read more and see the reasons we’ve received this accolade on pages 12 and 13. This newsletter sees the launch of our fundraising appeal to replace our TV system across the hospital. Hospital stays at Alder Hey can be long and uncertain for many children, so small comforts that offer distraction, relief, and familiarity make a big difference during their time on the wards.
We also share an update on our Put Children First campaign, advocating for children’s health and wellbeing to be prioritised in UK government policy. This includes details of our trailblazing Parent Champions programme which is transforming children’s respiratory health in Liverpool.
But we start with Nuala, one of the many thousands of children your support allows us to help at Alder Hey each year. Your generosity makes everything we do possible, and we’re deeply thankful for the belief you continue to place in our work. Because of you, we can stand alongside patients, families and colleagues when they need us most.
Tracey Wilson Director of Philanthropy
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. This is Nuala’s story, whose life was transformed by the expert care she received.
Nuala is a happy and confident toddler following her treatment
At just 10 months old, Nuala was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer called Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma. This cancer presents significant challenges in diagnosis due to its subtle symptoms. 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.
Nuala underwent surgery to remove one of her eyes affected by the tumour, 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.
as a fundraising ambassador, helping to raise awareness and inspire others with her story. 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. ”
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
Nuala’s story is a powerful reminder of the real and lasting impact that your support 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. Together, we can continue to transform lives, one child at a time.
From vision to reality
We’re thrilled to share that Alder Hey’s pioneering new Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Same Day Emergency Care Centre are now entering their final phase of development. After months of steady construction, the project has reached a pivotal moment: the transition from a completed shell into a fully operational, safety critical clinical environment. It’s an exciting milestone made possible entirely through your generosity and continued belief in this vision.
Bringing the Inside to Life
A welcoming new space designed to support children and families from the moment they arrive
Much of the interior of the new build has undergone significant transformation. All cot rooms and clinical cubicles have progressed to the second services fix, meaning they are now fully decorated and equipped with essential components such as medical trunking, bedheads, lighting and electrical fittings. These rooms are currently receiving final snagging, touchups, and decorating as they move toward completion.
In the adjoining refurbishment zone - where the new development connects to the existing hospital - mechanical and electrical installations are now underway, with plastering and painting soon to follow. Remarkably, the spaces are beginning to mirror the artist impressions first shared back in 2021, a clear sign that the vision is becoming reality.
What Happens Next?
Although the building may soon look ready, a vital stage still lies ahead: Commissioning - this meticulous process ensures that every system is safe, reliable, and fully prepared for patient care. It includes:
1. Contractor commissioning –Testing all systems, from electrics to water, to ensure they meet strict safety standards.
2. Trust commissioning –We will conduct our own thorough checks and risk assessments.
3. Clinical commissioning –Equipment installation, staff training and real-life simulations to prepare for patient care.
This careful approach reflects the specialist, high dependency nature of neonatal, surgical, and emergency care.
The cot space bedhead services have been installed
Thank You Your kindness is shaping a healthier, happier future for children across Liverpool, the North West and beyond.
Thanks to you, this exceptional new facility will open later this year - transforming care for generations to come.
Support our BIG Wish TV Appeal
For so many children at Alder Hey, days in hospital can feel long and uncertain. Some stay with us for only a short time; others spend weeks or months on the wards, often too poorly to leave their rooms or take part in the everyday moments their friends at home are enjoying. In those stretches of time, small comforts can make an enormous difference; providing distraction, relief and familiarity.
Right now, our TV system is falling far short of what our patients need. Many screens no longer work properly and the technology is outdated. Not every child has the energy to play, read or join in
activities, so having gentle, accessible entertainment becomes essential.
Upgraded bedside TVs will transform the hospital experience for thousands of children every year
features, educational games, children’s streaming apps, and calming content.
Importantly, they’ll also act as a hub for key hospital information - from daily menus and MediCinema showings to ward updates - helping families feel more informed and connected without needing to leave the bed space.
When small comforts matter most
A working, interactive TV can help a child manage distress, give neurodivergent patients the calming tools they rely on, and provide connection and comfort when families cannot be by the bedside.
Upgrading the full system across Alder Hey will cost £1,745 per bed and will transform the experience of thousands of patients each year.
The new TVs will offer age-appropriate entertainment, subtitles and accessibility
Nurses and play specialists tell us every day how often they wish they had better tools to comfort a frightened child, distract a young person during a procedure, or simply ease the boredom of long days spent in bed. This upgrade will help create calmer wards, reduce clinical pressures, and give staff the support they need to deliver the very best care. And for some families, these small moments of comfort would mean more than we can ever measure.
Amelia, mum of Alder Hey patient
Oliver, recently told us:
“ Something as simple as a TV becomes essential when you’re in hospital. When a child is in pain or distress, you need instant distraction - something familiar that can calm them quickly.
Oliver can get so frustrated, so having reliable, built-in access to his favourite programmes can reduce that and give him comfort in an environment where so much feels out of their control. It also gives him choice, which is incredibly important when he’s lost so much independence.
For parents, it makes a difference too. It allows you to breathe, reset, and to feel human again. In the evenings, it allows me and my husband to unwind together, bringing a sense of normal life into an otherwise stressful time.
The inconsistency between rooms, or needing to bring your own devices, can add unnecessary stress - especially in emergency admissions when you arrive with nothing. Not every family has access to technology like iPads or Firesticks, so working, up-to-date technology makes a huge difference. If every room had the same, reliable system - with streaming, screen sharing, and the ability to stream activities from across the hospital - it would transform the experience for patients, parents and families. ”
With your help, we can give every child at Alder Hey a brighter, more comforting hospital experience when they need it most.
If you would like more information about how you can support this appeal please get in touch:
charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk
For patients like Oliver and his family, accessing age-appropriate entertainment, games and apps will be easier than ever
The healing power of creativity at Alder Hey
How do you turn a hospital visit into a moment of creativity, wonder and connection?
Alfie, a young person with autism, recently took part in the Dreamers Project, a 10-week programme for young people aged 8-18 who are accessing mental health support at Alder Hey, led by artist and TV presenter Gemma Longworth.
When Alfie first joined the sessions, he struggled with perfectionism, worrying if his artwork didn’t turn out exactly how he imagined it. This made it difficult for him to enjoy the creative process. With encouragement from Gemma, Alfie gradually began to embrace creativity as a journey rather than focusing solely on the end result.
Through drawing, expressive painting, and textile-based projects, Alfie gained confidence and learned to experiment without fear of making mistakes.
Alfie told us:
“ Gemma is the reason I now walk into the room with my head held a little higher. Because I know someone believes in me. ”
Alfie was able to take part in a series of exciting opportunities outside the studio. He visited the Bluecoat in Liverpool, where he screen-printed his own designs, took part in a professional photoshoot with LMA Academy, and even exhibited his work at a city centre exhibition and book launch.
Through the Dreamers Project, young people are supported to explore creativity and build confidence
Alder Hey’s Arts for Health programme brings creativity, joy and comfort to every corner of our Children’s Health Campus. Over the past year, it delivered 2,011 workshops and engaged nearly 11,000 children and young people in arts activities – our highest number yet.
Arts for Health is funded entirely through generous donations and grants to Alder Hey Children’s Charity. In 2025, the programme was honoured with the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards – a wonderful recognition of the impact it has across our hospital.
Vicky Charnock, Arts for Health Manager, said:
“ Thanks to generous support, we’ve been able to engage more children and young people than ever before. These activities not only support patients’ wellbeing but also give them the chance to grow in creativity and confidence. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made this possible. ”
Thanks to you, the Arts for Health programme is transforming hospital experiences – turning difficult days into moments of joy, comfort and creativity for thousands of children each year.
To find out more about how you can bring magic to patients at Alder Hey please contact:
charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk
Alfie and Dreamers Project lead Gemma
More smiles, less paperwork….
At Alder Hey, every innovation is guided by a simple belief: children and families should be at the heart of the care they receive. This year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Alder Hey has taken an inspiring step forward by introducing a new technology that is already transforming the patient experience.
Donor Support Brings Patient‑Centred AI to Life
With donor funding, Alder Hey Children’s Charity fully supported the pilot of Lyrebird Health, a pioneering “ambient AI” system that securely listens to appointments and automatically creates accurate clinical notes and letters. This means clinicians no longer need to type or write during consultations - freeing them to focus entirely on the child in front of them.
More time, more trust
Since its launch in 2025, Lyrebird has been used in more than 11,000 appointments, making Alder Hey the first NHS Trust to adopt this technology at scale. Early feedback has been remarkable. Families say they feel more listened to. Clinicians report that the reduced administrative burden is improving wellbeing. Most importantly, children benefit from more eye contact, more conversation, and more time with the people caring for them.
With Lyrebird children benefit from more time with the people caring for them
Philanthropy powering compassionate healthcare
By backing Lyrebird, our donors have done more than fund a digital pilot - they have helped create more compassionate, efficient, and family-centred care.
This project shows the powerful role philanthropy can play in accelerating innovation and improving the everyday experience for young patients.
Because of you, children at Alder Hey are receiving care that feels more personal, more responsive, and more human. Thank you for helping us put patients exactly where they belong: at the appointment.
For more information about how you can support innovation at Alder Hey please contact: tracey.wilson@alderhey.nhs.uk
The Alder Centre - the first purpose built dedicated child bereavement centre in the UK
A calming space offering compassionate, personalised support
At Alder Hey, supporting families goes far beyond medical care. At the heart of our community is our Alder Centre, a warm, calming space designed to feel like a home away from home. Families arriving at the Centre are welcomed into an open kitchen and living area where they can make a cup of tea, speak to a team member, or simply sit and look out over the gardens.
Our
Services
Understanding that people grieve differently and that no single approach works for everyone, the Alder Centre offers a wide range of services to meet people wherever they are in their journey. For those ready to talk, our trained counsellors are here to listen, with compassion and care. For families who may not know what support they need, we offer gentle ways to
reconnect, including weekend retreats that help rebuild relationships and create new memories, as well as our social groups and befriending services.
Our social and therapeutic groups bring people together through shared activities, easing feelings of isolation and offering comfort through community. Whether baking, gardening, or dedicated groups for siblings or dads, each gathering provides a safe space to meet others who understand. These small interactions often become the first steps towards healing.
We also offer our Child Death Helpline, open 365 days a year and ran by trained
Our trained counsellors listen with compassion and care
Our befriending service offers gentle connection with someone who has been through similar experiences, easing feelings of isolation
volunteers who have themselves experienced bereavement. The national helpline allows anyone to reach a compassionate voice whenever they need it most.
Funded entirely by charitable donations, the Alder Centre offers free support to anyone affected by the loss of a child. Our mission is to help families reconnect, rebuild memories, and discover moments of hope.
If you would like more information about how you can support the Alder Centre please get in touch: emily.martin@alderhey.nhs.uk
Alder Hey in Bloom
Alder Hey is delighted to have received two awards at the RHS North West in Bloom Awards, winning a Gold Award in the hospital category and the Jolly Josh Inclusive Greenspace Award.
North West in Bloom is responsible for delivering the RHS Britain in Bloom competition across Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. It is one of 18 regions and nations that make up Britain in Bloom.
The awards recognised our commitment to greenspace, inclusivity, and accessibility at Alder Hey Children’s Health Campus, which includes Alder Hey in the Park (Alder Hey Children’s Hospital), the Institute in the Park, the Catkin Centre, Sunflower House and Alder Centre.
Dame Jo Williams, Chair of Alder Hey, said:
“ Receiving two Britain in Bloom North West Awards is a wonderful honour for us all here at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Trust. Winning the Gold Award in the hospital category, alongside the Jolly Josh Inclusive Greenspace Award sponsored by Rochdale Council, is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. It recognises our commitment to creating gardens and open spaces that are not only high quality, but genuinely inclusive and welcoming for all who visit our campus. ”
On the road to ending child health inequality in the UK
Put Children First is Alder Hey’s national campaign dedicated to building a healthier future for every child.
We are delighted to share the latest updates about the momentum that’s been building in recent months.
Alder Hey and fellow members of the End Child Poverty Coalition celebrate the abolition of the TwoChild Limit in Parliament Square
©Kate_Stanworth08
Children’s health on the national agenda
We recently welcomed Kim Johnson MP to Alder Hey, where we showcased our Innovation and Wellbeing Hubs which are improving outcomes for our young patients. Kim has urged the government to increase the share of NHS expenditure for children and young people, to ensure that the NHS meets children and young people’s distinct health needs. She highlighted the fact that children and young people receive just 11% of NHS expenditure, despite accounting for 24% of the population.
A game changer for struggling families In November, the government published the first national Child Poverty Strategy in nearly a decade and confirmed the removal of the two-child limit – a move championed by Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The two-child limit is the biggest driver of child poverty in the UK, so to see this reversed is a huge win.
It comes into force in April 2026 and is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. Despite this, more than 4 million children will still live in poverty at the end of this Parliament, showing there is much work still to do. The UK is facing some of the poorest child health outcomes in Europe. Our campaign exists to reverse this trend.
For more information about Put Children First, please get in touch: helen.murray@alderhey.nhs.uk
Transforming early years respiratory inequality in Liverpool
Alder Hey’s Respiratory Parent Champions programme is a powerful example of community power in action. Launched in January 2022 with Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Liverpool Children’s Centres, the programme trains local mothers to become Parent Champions - trusted peers who help families navigate early years respiratory health. Working across 10 Children’s Centres and 16 wards, these champions bring vital support directly to families who need it most.
Addressing a pressing health inequality
Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospital admissions for babies under one. It is felt most sharply in communities facing socioeconomic disadvantage, where families are more exposed to risk factors associated with poor respiratory
health, and often struggle to access timely, trusted advice. Alder Hey recognised a need for earlier, communitybased support to help parents feel informed, confident and connected.
What Parent Champions do
The Parent Champions model blends lived experience with expert clinical guidance. Eight trained local parents now support families through home visits, baby groups, clinics and outreach, offering practical guidance on preventing, recognising and managing bronchiolitis. They also act as connectors - linking families to wider support including housing services, financial advice, breastfeeding help and more.
A model built on trust and lived experience Trust is the heartbeat of the programme. Because champions are embedded in the communities they serve, their
support feels accessible, relatable and non-judgemental. Co-produced resources and flexible delivery mean families get help in ways that fit their around their lives.
The impact has been remarkable: over 18,000 family contacts in two years and a 23.8% reduction in bronchiolitis hospital admissions—equivalent to 107 fewer children admitted each year.
Our Parent Champions say it best: “ If we can change and inform parents, we can change our city. ”
This programme shows how prevention truly works when rooted in relationships, community trust and shared lived experience - helping families feel confident, connected and better equipped to give their children the healthiest possible start.
Thank You
On behalf of everyone at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, thank you for helping us to create bright futures for babies, children and young people.
Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP www.alderheycharity.org
© Copyright 2026 Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Registered Charity Number 1160661
TRACEY WILSON
Director of Philanthropy tracey.wilson@alderhey.nhs.uk 07903 705331
AMANDA JONES
Philanthropy Manager amanda.jones@alderhey.nhs.uk 07887 987311
JENNIFER GRAHAM
Philanthropy Fundraiser
jennifer.graham2@alderhey.nhs.uk 07960 016737
HELEN MURRAY
Philanthropy Support Lead helen.murray@alderhey.nhs.uk 07925 860267
CHARLI CANFER
Philanthropy Fundraiser
charli.canfer@alderhey.nhs.uk 0151 953 0181
EMILY MARTIN
Philanthropy Officer emily.martin@alderhey.nhs.uk 0151 953 0183
K ENNETH LEUNG
Philanthropy Assistant kenneth.leung@alderhey.nhs.uk 0151 953 0186