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. Read more
The Carer Support Worker will work closely with the hospital ward teams to ensure carers are identified and are supported in the hospital journey. Read more
Frin Lewis-Smith has been there to help patients facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Read more
Discover inspiring stories from Leeds Hospitals Charity, including the Cancer Appeal, play support, and the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. Read more
These dedicated professionals provide expert care and kindness, making a real difference where it matters most to patients.
2025/2026 Specialist Staff Funding List
We have continued to strengthen support for children and families through our investment in the Play Team: this year we have funded the second year of 7 Days of Play. We support 14 play specialists, to ensure that the play service is available 7 days a week for children in hospital. We have also funded a new play specialist role in Children’s Radiotherapy, based at St James’s Hospital. This means that children will consistently be supported with play preparation in the tumour clinics and throughout radiotherapy treatment, helping to reduce anxiety and providing reassurance to them and their families during an extremely challenging time.
Over at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, a new Centre Manager been appointed. The role is pivotal in shaping the centre’s development and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centre care for people living with MND.
A new Carer Support Worker at Chapel Allerton hospital will extend the support for carers. This includes guidance through complex and sensitive conversations, such as those relating to discharge, ensuring carers feel better informed, supported, and confident at key moments.
Our funding priorities across Leeds Hospitals
Sam Oakes, MND Family Supporter Worker talks about her role and how funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity helps her support patients and their families. Read more
Thanks to your donations, we're funding new roles at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease. Read more
Reggie has had several hospitals stays on different wards. And every time, the Play Team has been there. Read more
People living with the condition have an increased mortality, with up to 26% of people dying as a result of cardiac disease triggered by SSc. Read more
Children are invited to the clinic where they are given passports and join a trail in the style of a treasure hunt, taking their teddies to different activity stations. Read more
Delivering play to every child, our research stories, therapy pets for older patients and more. Read more
The play team at Leeds Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in making 11-year-old Alaa’s hospital experience a positive one. Read more
“Having the VR headset at my appointments was a nice surprise, I didn’t expect it. I have definitely felt less anxious since being able to use it.” Read more
"The team really go above and beyond to help children living with diabetes be able to live a normal, happy and healthy childhood." Read more
Expanding the play service at Leeds Children's Hospital, our tribute to Rob Burrow, voices of MND and more. Read more
The project will see the current play team be expanded from a 5-day service to 7 days a week, benefiting hundreds of families Read more
“The Play Team are our lifeline. They support us by preparing Leo for procedures and distracting him while he’s having them." Read more
“The Play Team support us in happy times and very challenging times, and have actually become really close to our family in a non-medical way." Read more
"After his transplant, Max had to isolate on his ward for 21 days. This was really tough, but the Play Team were a real lifeline." Read more
Charity allocated funding to train staff on new tattoo machines. Read more
During her visit, the Duchess saw how Play Specialists and virtual reality technology funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity is making a difference to the hospital experience for poorly children. Read more
Sinfield helps Rob Burrow Appeal pass £5m mark, donations fund dialysis play lead, tacking health inequalities and more Read more
Lindsey Burrow helps Rob Burrow Marathon Runners raise over £1.1m, celebrating the NHS turning 75, focus on Leeds Children's Hospital and more Read more