Month: June 2026

Leicester Hospitals Charity is delighted to announce the appointment of Sunita Patel as its new Director. 

Sunita officially took up the role on Monday, 15 June, having previously served as Acting Head of Charity. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Charity as it continues its mission to support patients, families and colleagues across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

Since joining the Charity in January 2023 as Head of Corporate and Community Fundraising, Sunita has played a key role in strengthening fundraising programmes, developing new partnerships and championing the impact that charitable support has across University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL). 

The Charity works closely with generous supporters, organisations, community groups and hospital colleagues to provide funding for projects that go above and beyond NHS provision, helping to improve the experience of patients, families and staff across our hospitals. 

Sunita said:”I am incredibly proud to be taking on the role of Director of Leicester Hospitals Charity at such an exciting time for the charity and the Trust.

“In the three years that I have been with the charity, we have built strong foundations, strengthened our fundraising programmes and increased the visibility of the difference charitable support makes to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.

“My ambition is to make Leicester Hospitals Charity easier to support, easier to engage with and even more closely aligned to the priorities of UHL. Whether that is helping grateful patients and supporters give in a way that feels meaningful to them, developing new partnerships across our communities, or making it easier for colleagues and clinicians to access charitable funding for projects that enhance patient care, our focus will always be on delivering the greatest possible benefit for our patients and hospitals.”

As Leicester Hospitals Charity looks ahead, Sunita will lead the charity in building on its strong foundations, growing support across the region and helping to fund projects that enhance care, wellbeing and the hospital experience for thousands of people every year.

Leicester Hospitals Charity is celebrating the continued generosity and dedication of local fundraiser Dhirubhai Shah, who has now raised more than £67,000 over the last two years to support patients and families across our hospitals.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the local community and healthcare fundraising, Dhirubhai has also recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the fundraiser of the year category for a BBC Leicester Make a Difference Award.

Most recently, on 16 May, supporters gathered for Dhirubhai’s vibrant Dinner and Dance event to celebrate the success of the fundraising support for the Neonatal Department at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital.

The fundraising efforts will help to fund neonatal equipment, including cots, heated mattresses, warming lamps, and breast pumps. This specialist equipment supports premature and poorly babies by helping regulate body temperature, assisting development, and providing reassurance to families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The evening featured live performances, dancing, and moving stories from families who have experienced care within the Neonatal Departments, such as Komal Bhatt, who shared her personal journey with her son, Prem, and the support they received from hospital staff during their neonatal experience.

Dhirubhai’s latest fundraising success follows years of outstanding support for our hospitals. Last year, the team from Leicester Hospitals Charity welcomed him to Leicester Royal Infirmary to celebrate the donation of four Vapotherm machines for Leicester Children’s Hospital, funded through his community fundraising efforts from the previous year. The specialist respiratory equipment has already played a crucial role in supporting children admitted during winter pressures with respiratory illnesses.

Looking ahead, Dhirubhai will continue his fundraising efforts in support of Leicester Hospitals Charity’s latest appeal to fund z-beds, helping families stay overnight with loved ones during end-of-life care.

Dhirubhai Shah said, “Supporting our hospitals has become something very close to my heart. Over the last two years, I’ve seen firsthand how donations can make a real difference for patients, families, and staff. Our community has been incredibly generous, and I’m proud that together we are helping babies, children, and families receive the best possible care when they need it most. I hope my fundraising efforts inspire others in the community to get involved and support our hospitals through the charity.

“I’m honoured to have been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award, but this recognition really belongs to everyone who has supported our fundraising journey. I’m grateful to everyone who supported my neonatal fundraising and look forward to continuing to support future projects, including the z-beds appeal.”

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “Dhirubhai’s commitment and generosity over the past two years have been truly remarkable. Raising more than £67,000 is an incredible achievement and has already funded equipment that is making a real difference to patients across our hospitals. His BBC Make a Difference Award nomination is incredibly well-deserved and reflects the positive impact he continues to have across our hospitals. We are so grateful to Dhirubhai and everyone who continues to support these fundraising efforts.”

Leicester Hospitals Charity supports patients, staff, and services across Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, and beyond, funding projects that go above and beyond NHS provision to improve care and patient experience.

To support Dhirubhai Shah’s fundraising, visit:
JustGiving Fundraising Page

To find out how you can become a fundraiser for your hospital, get in touch with the Leicester Hospital Charity Team.