May 2026 - Leicester Hospitals Charity

New Lord Mayor of Leicester chooses Leicester Hospitals Charity as one of two charities to support

At a ceremony held at Leicester Town Hall on Thursday 14 May, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal officially took on the historic role of Leicester’s first citizen and announced his support for Leicester Hospitals Charity and Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS), recognising the important work both organisations carry out across the city.

As the official charity for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Hospitals Charity funds projects, equipment, research and environments that go beyond NHS funding, helping improve care and experiences for patients and families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. During the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal’s year in office, the Lord Mayor’s Appeal will particularly support initiatives focused on the early diagnosis of diabetes and kidney care.

Speaking at the ceremony, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal said:

“As I take on this historic role, I’ve chosen to highlight the important work that’s carried out by two brilliant local charities – the Midland Langar Seva Society and Leicester Hospitals Charity.

“A charity that strives to ensure that everyone in our city has the food that they need and a roof over their head, and one that’s committed to identifying and researching ways to prevent early stages of diabetes and kidney disease, both deserve the public’s backing, and I hope that the people of Leicester will join me in supporting them during my year in office.”

Sunita Patel, Director of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, said:

“We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal on becoming the new Lord Mayor of Leicester. We are incredibly honoured that Leicester Hospitals Charity has been selected as one of the charities he will champion during his mayoral year alongside Midland Langar Seva Society.

“The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal’s commitment to supporting causes that make a direct difference to local people reflects the strong sense of community and compassion across Leicester. The support for Leicester Hospitals Charity will help us continue funding vital projects, equipment and research that enhance patient care across our hospitals, including work focused on the early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes and kidney disease. At UHL, we are proud to work in partnership with charities in the city, and so joining MLSS through this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal is a brilliant way to demonstrate our commitment to developing partnerships for impact.

“We look forward to working closely with the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, over the coming year to raise awareness of the impact charitable donations can make for patients, families and NHS staff across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, who has represented Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields ward since 2015, spoke of his pride in serving the city and highlighted the important role both charities play within the local community.

During his year in office, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, will be supported by the Lady Mayoress, his wife, Manjit Kaur Johal, alongside his daughter Gursimran Kaur Hayer as his consort, with his son Ashvir also playing a supportive role.

Leicester Hospitals Charity supports Gary Henry’s charity football match for LRI Ward 27

Leicester Hospitals Charity is proud to support an upcoming charity football match raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Ward 27 at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The event, organised by Gary Henry, Director of Charles Henry and Sons, a Leicester-based building service company, will bring together the community for an important cause to help improve the experience and recovery of children undergoing cancer treatment.

Thanks to Leicester Hospitals Charity’s partnership with Leicester City Football Club, the charity match will be played at the King Power Stadium, offering a memorable occasion for players, supporters and families while raising vital funds for local children receiving care.

The match will take place on Sunday, 17 May, with kick-off at 3 pm at King Power Stadium.

Gary, who is the Men’s Captain at Cosby Golf Club, is fundraising for Leicester Hospitals Charity this year and keen to fund a dedicated THOR PBM Laser scanner for children’s mouths. This specialist device uses red and near infrared light therapy to help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation for children recovering from chemotherapy treatment. At present, the ward shares this equipment with other wards, and sometimes they have to wait for it to be available.

Gary Henry said, “When we heard about the difference this equipment could make for children on Ward 27, we knew we wanted to do something to help. The support from local suppliers, sub-trades and the wider community has been incredible, and being able to host the match at King Power Stadium makes the day even more special. We hope everyone will come along, enjoy the event and help us raise as much money as possible for an amazing cause.”

By raising enough funds to purchase a machine outright, the ward will be able to provide this supportive therapy quickly, consistently, and whenever it is needed, helping improve comfort and care for young patients.

The charity football match will feature two teams made up of volunteers, and two legends from the club will be leading the teams, all generously giving their time and support to help raise awareness and funds for the ward.

Supporter tickets:
Email gary.h@chenryandsons.co.uk to reserve your tickets.

Spectator tickets are also available on the door at £5.00 each.
Children under 12 can attend free of charge.

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Gary Henry, and everyone involved in organising this fantastic event in support of Ward 27. The funds raised will help us provide a dedicated THOR PBM Laser scanner for mouth ulcers for the ward. This equipment will make a real difference to children receiving chemotherapy treatment by bringing a little comfort during a very difficult time for them. We’re also want to thank Leicester City Football Club for allowing this match to be hosted at King Power Stadium, and we hope the local community will come together to support this very special occasion.”

“We encourage everyone to come along and support the event. Whether you attend the match, enjoy the atmosphere, help spread the word or make a donation, your support will make a meaningful difference.”

To donate to the fundraiser please click here

If you would like to partner with Leicester Hospitals Charity to raise vital funds for your hospital, get in touch with us today.

A new parent room on Ward 12 is now open

A new parent retreat room on the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s high dependency unit has opened, thanks to the tireless fundraising of a mum who understands just how important it is to have somewhere quiet to turn during long and difficult hospital stays.

The new room on Ward 12 was officially opened by fundraiser Asiya Parekh, whose two-year-old son, Yahya, was cared for on the unit in 2020. Asiya raised more than £10,000 in memory of both her son and her father, who passed away just three weeks before Yahya, creating a lasting legacy that will support families for years to come.

This new parent room on the Children’s High Dependency Unit and Respiratory Ward offers families a calm, private space away from the clinical environment, without ever being far from their child. For parents facing long and often incredibly difficult hospital stays, sometimes lasting months, having somewhere to pause, reflect and gather strength can make all the difference. Thoughtfully created from an unused storeroom, the room now provides a welcoming retreat, as well as a dedicated space for sensitive conversations with clinical teams, helping to support families with dignity, privacy and care.

Families on the ward often experience long stays, sometimes lasting many months or even years and, before the room was created, parents had nowhere to step away from the bedside.

Through her role within the Charity, she can see firsthand how the effort of giving back can make such a lasting impact. Reflecting on her own experience and her drive to fundraise, she said: “This unit is where my two-year-old son Yahya spent his final days in 2020. I know first-hand how difficult it is for parents to leave their child’s bedside, even for a moment. We spent some time on the high dependency unit, and I know how important it is to have somewhere close by to gather your thoughts, take a breath, or receive news from a clinician in private. That’s why I wanted to create this room.

“I hope it offers comfort, dignity, and a small sense of peace to families like mine who are facing the unimaginable.”

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be able to open this new parent room following the fundraising efforts of Asiya Parekh. Asiya knows first-hand the need for such a space, and we are very proud of her and grateful for her support.”

Her vision, driven by the desire to help others facing similar circumstances, has transformed a previously unused storeroom into a dedicated retreat. Thanks to her determination, and the generosity of those who supported her, families on Ward 12 now have a place to breathe during some of their most challenging moments.

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