Darcie Roddis, Author at Leicester Hospitals Charity

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.

Team LHC for the London Marathon 2026

We’re incredibly grateful to the runners who take on the London Marathon each year in support of Leicester Hospitals Charity. Their efforts help us to raise vital funds that

provide additional resources across our hospitals, enhancing NHS care and improving the experience for patients, their families and our staff.

This year, three runners took on our Charity places, alongside others who secured their own places and chose to fundraise for us. Together, they have raised over £18,300 so far. Thank you to all for their dedication and incredible achievement.

Lauren

Lauren took on the challenge following her own family experience. When her son Eden was born in November 2024, he was transferred to Leicester Royal Infirmary by the CenTre Neonatal Transport Service. During an incredibly difficult time, the team provided calm, reassurance, and support. Wanting to give back, Lauren raised over £4,000 to support the service, helping other families who may face similar situations. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that the marathon was about resilience, gratitude and supporting others.

Lauren said, “It feels bigger than me; it’s about honouring our story and supporting other families who may find themselves in similar situations.”

Emma

Emma’s story is one of determination and recovery. Born with pectus excavatum, she faced ongoing challenges with her breathing and in 2020, underwent surgery at Leicester Glenfield Hospital, with follow-up care at Leicester’s Intensive Care Unit.

Six years on, Emma took on the London Marathon to celebrate her progress. She raised over £4,500 for Ward 10 at Leicester Children’s Hospital, helping to improve the environment for young patients through enhanced spaces, activities and small comforts. Now working as a newly qualified Children’s nurse at the hospital, Emma is using her experience to support and inspire others.

Emma said: “I will never forget the care, kindness and support”

Matt

Matt chose to run in recognition of the care his family has received from cancer services across our hospitals. After losing his mother to cancer and more recently supporting his father following a stage 4 diagnosis, he wanted to give back. Matt has raised over £3,600 to support patients and families, helping to make a difference during some of the most challenging times.

We are also grateful to those who secured their own places and chose to fundraise in support of our hospitals.

Michaela

Michaela took on the marathon after her son Charlie was born prematurely at 26 weeks and received specialist care, raising £2,600 for the CenTre Neonatal Transport Service.

Yogesh

Yogesh raised over £1,300 to support older patients’ wards, helping to improve care for patients, families and staff.

Andy

Andy raised £1650.

If you are interested in running for Leicester Hospitals Charity and helping to make great things happen, please visit our events page.

Community rallies behind Big Pledge Weekend to support families with Children in CICU

The Big Pledge Weekend returned for its third consecutive year from Friday 6 March to Monday 9 March 2026, bringing the people of Leicester together in a show of support for patients, their families and NHS staff across Leicester’s Hospitals.

The four-day fundraising event raised a fantastic £18,000 to support our current campaign – Parent Facilities Appeal. The appeal is dedicated to improving facilities for parents whose children are receiving critical care in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Over the next two years, the Charity is hoping to raise over £1.2m towards refurbishing overnight parent bedrooms, creating a new parent lounge complete with kitchenette facilities, and enhancing privacy and comfort for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through dedicated events and appeals throughout the year we have already raised over £600,000 towards this target. The improvements will help ensure parents can remain close to their child’s bedside with dignity, reassurance and the opportunity to rest.

We hope to raise enough to start phase 1 of the project in 2026, providing immediate benefit for parents and families. This year’s Big Pledge Weekend was aimed at getting us to another £40,000 towards this.

A weekend of community action

Over the course of the weekend, fundraising and engagement activities took place across key locations in Leicester to encourage widespread participation in this phase of the appeal.

On Friday and Monday, supporters visited the charity team at Leicester Royal Infirmary’s LEat restaurant and the Main Reception in the Windsor Building, where staff, patients and visitors were invited to pledge their support and take part in games.

Saturday featured a special Pledge Day broadcast live from Ramadan FM, where listeners were encouraged to donate throughout the day. Donations made during Ramadan hold particular significance, and the broadcast highlighted the power of collective generosity within the community.

Throughout the weekend, pledge points were also hosted at Haymarket Shopping Centre and Fosse Park, allowing shoppers to learn more about the appeal and donate in person.

Community support

Stephen James, a local community fundraiser who raised £2,000 towards the Big Pledge Weekend by organising a coach trip to the seaside and a raffle at his local pub, said, “For me, this weekend has been about giving back to my local hospital, especially for younger patients. I’ve supported the Charity for some time. I’ve pledged my support for other appeals, and I really wanted to do something for the current Parent Facilities Appeal.

Hospitals are at the heart of our community. We should do what we can to support them and make sure we can elevate the care that local people receive, support patient families and the NHS staff who deliver the service.”

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, said, ”This year, it has been incredibly moving to see individuals, families, community groups and businesses unite behind our Parent Facilities Appeal. Every donation and every conversation shared during the Big Pledge Weekend brings us closer to creating a more comfortable and supportive environment for parents in CICU.

“We want to thank everyone who supported us over the weekend activities.”

The Charity was pleased to receive match funding before the weekend from various businesses and community groups who helped to maximise the impact of donations. Even though the £40,000 target wasn’t met at this stage of the appeal, there is still time to give a gift or even help us fundraise so we can reach our target and get phase 1 of the project underway.

For more information about Leicester Hospitals Charity, to donate, or see how else you can get involved, please contact the Charity team.

New hospital buggies make visits easier and kinder for patients like Guy

Three brand-new electric buggies are now in service across Leicester’s Hospitals – all thanks to your generosity.

Volunteer — Our friendly hospital volunteers ensure the buggy service is there for patients in need of a lift.

The new vehicles are based at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital, and are providing an invaluable service for patients who need support navigating hospital grounds. Run by trained hospital volunteers, the buggy service helps hundreds of people every month get safely and comfortably from car parks or entrances to wards, clinics and departments.

The new buggies allow patients like Guy to travel quickly and in comfort across hospital sites.

One recent passenger, Guy from Ashby de-la-Zouch, used the service during a recent visit to the Leicester General Hospital for a blood transfusion.

“The hospital is very spread out, and I needed to get to the new East Midlands Planned Care Centre,” said Guy. “Without the buggy, I would have struggled to find my way. The volunteer drivers were incredibly helpful, and I’m so thankful this service exists.”

Designed with patient dignity, safety and comfort in mind, the new buggies are replacing older vehicles that had become increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain. The new models are more robust, more accessible, and built to meet the growing demand for patient transport across hospital sites. In 2022–2023 alone, the service supported over 4,500 passengers across more than 3,000 journeys -despite frequent breakdowns that left vehicles out of action for weeks at a time. Thanks to your support, patients can now rely on a dependable, welcoming service that eases stress and ensures they reach their appointments.

“This service really makes a difference,” said Sue McLeod, Head of Patient Experience at Leicester’s Hospitals. “Patients can arrive safely and on time with carers able to travel with them. Thanks to the new buggies, our volunteers can now strive to offer that support every single day, without interruption.” Because of your kind gifts, patients like Guy can now travel through hospital grounds in comfort, safely and with dignity – supported by our dedicated team of volunteers.

Abseil raises over £16,000 towards improving parent facilities at LRI

On Saturday 16 August, brave fundraisers from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland took part in Leicester Hospitals Charity’s annual BIG Abseil event, raising over £16,000 towards the Parent Facilities Project at Leicester Children’s Hospital.

The BIG Abseil saw participants descend down the 100ft wall of the Windsor Building at Leicester Royal Infirmary. From staff members to community supporters, fundraisers and businesses turned up ready to face their fears, all to help create better facilities for parents and carers whose children are being treated in the CICU at LRI.

All funds raised will support the current project looking to improve parent facilities at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, helping to create calm, private spaces for families with a child in intensive care. Because when a child is seriously ill, keeping families close matters most.

Among those taking part were members of our own Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) team, including Louise Evans, Head of Children’s Nursing at Leicester’s Hospital, who despite her fear of heights bravely joined her colleagues on the ropes to raise money for the project. This is just one of many examples of how passionate our staff are about

supporting patient families, both inside and outside of their day-to-day roles.

On behalf of the Leicester Hospitals Charity Team and UHL a big thank you goes out to all the staff and fundraisers from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who took part in this year’s Big Abseil event.

If you would like to take part in a future challenge for Leicester Hospitals Charity, or set up your own fundraiser, please contact the team on 0116 258 8709 or visit our events page for more information.

A Dose of Dance

Helping patients to keep moving and stay positive

Patients like June are being uplifted whilst building strength and confidence through music and dance.

**Helen Stirland inspiring joy and encouraging patients to keep moving**

The Dose of Dance programme, which was developed in partnership with Virtual Motion Dance Company, is providing a new hospital experience for patients through creative, dance-based movement sessions. Helen Stirland, as Director of Virtual Motion Dance Company, has been working alongside Occupational Therapists across Leicester’s Hospitals. This unique partnership is bringing creative ways that help patients in recovery.

Helen ensures that each session is personal to the patient, tailoring the movements to meet their individual needs. Patients who are unable to leave their bed can still participate in carefully adapted dance exercises designed to work within their physical capabilities.

These sessions do more than just encourage physical activity. They bring moments of joy, connection, and positivity to patients during challenging times. For June, an 85-year-old patient from Wigston, this activity has provided a fun way to socialise with other patients and staff during her hospital treatment.

After a series of falls resulted in a brief stay in hospital, June was determined to rebuild her strength and confidence in order to return home as soon as possible. She described the sessions as both fun and empowering, “Even if you only do a little thing, it’s magic. Sometimes the little things are the most important. I’ve really enjoyed the sessions and will practice the dance moves when I’m back home.”

Patients like June aren’t the only ones noticing the benefits. As, Adeola Adewole, a Senior Occupational Therapist explains, “A Dose of Dance is helping patients feel reassured and confident in their ability to move, making them brighter, more motivated, and more willing to participate in therapy.

“The activity provides physical benefits by improving strength, range of movement, and coordination, with many of the dance movements based on upper and lower limb exercises that patients can continue at home. It also helps to reduce deconditioning, which is a major focus for us.”

Deconditioning occurs when patients, due to illness or surgery, experience muscle weakness, reduced mobility, and overall physical decline from inactivity. This programme encourages patients to stay active, which plays an important role in reversing these effects, ensuring that they’re stronger and more confident as they continue their recovery.

Thanks to your support, initiatives like a Dose of Dance are making great things happen by helping patients rebuild strength, providing joy and connection with others.

Powering recovery

New exercise bike is enhancing patient care

A new exercise bike is making a significant difference for patients like Andy recovering from thoracic surgery at Glenfield Hospital.

**The team are delighted with the**
**new exercise bike, helping to provide**
**the best possible care**

Over the last year, Andy, a 63-year-old retired printer from Northampton, has faced a challenging health journey. In November, he was admitted to Northampton Hospital with difficulty swallowing due to complications following a cancer diagnosis. After receiving initial treatment on his oesophagus, Andy was transferred to Leicester Royal Infirmary for specialist care, before eventually being moved to Glenfield Hospital for life-saving thoracic surgery. Over the course of his treatment, Andy underwent multiple procedures, including repairs to his diaphragm and treatment for a serious lung infection.

Given the length of his hospital stay and the physical toll of the surgeries, Andy’s rehabilitation needed a carefully managed exercise plan to help him regain his strength. Thanks to your support the new exercise bike has proven to be invaluable. “You don’t realise how much muscle strength you lose after being unwell for so long,” explains Michelle, a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at Glenfield. “Getting patients moving as soon as possible is vital to prevent complications like chest infections or blood clots, and to rebuild their fitness. The bike allows us to provide a safe, engaging way for patients like Andy to exercise, even when they’re still attached to equipment like chest drains.”

For Andy, the bike has also lifted his spirits.

**Andy enjoying the chance**
**to get moving with support**
**from Michelle**

“It’s been fantastic to have something like this,” he says. “It’s helping me to build my strength back up. I’m hoping to get home soon, it’s been hard being away from my family. I can’t wait to get back to my eight grandchildren and my drum kit. I’m even hoping to be fit enough to visit Dubai this summer.”

The bike also enhances the physiotherapists’ ability to tailor care plans. “For some patients, walking isn’t always possible due to other health conditions like arthritis,” Michelle adds. “The bike provides a weight-free way to exercise and is especially helpful for patients preparing for the next phase of their treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.”

The exercise bike supports the therapy team’s commitment to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles, which encourage early mobility and empower patients to take an active role in their recovery. Studies show that getting patients moving sooner can reduce hospital stays and improve overall outcomes.

Andy’s recovery story is a testament to how beneficial this equipment can be for patients. “When you’ve been in hospital for a long time, the days can feel endless,” Michelle says. “The bike doesn’t just help physically—it makes rehabilitation more engaging. We’re very grateful for the incredible generosity of donors. You’ve helped to provide the best possible care for patients like Andy.”

A simple act of kindness

How your support is providing vulnerable patients with dignity and respect in their time of need

Because of you, Leicester’s Hospitals can continue to offer a clothes bank service for patients in need, ensuring comfort and dignity during vulnerable moments.

**A selection of brand-new clothing from the clothes bank that allows for patients to leave hospital in comfort**

Every week, many patients arrive at Leicester’s Hospitals in damaged, or inadequate clothing. This can often be a result of emergency situations where clothing must be cut away or sometimes due to personal circumstances. For many, leaving the hospital can present significant challenges— especially for those without family, next of kin, or access to suitable clothing for discharge.

Your support means that a clothes bank service is available across Leicester’s Hospitals, which is fully stocked with unisex essentials like jogging bottoms, jumpers, and T-shirts in a range of sizes.

For staff at Leicester’s Hospitals, being able to offer clothing to patients in need is an important and valued part of the care they provide. Something as simple as a clean set of clothes can make a real difference to a

**Charge Nurse, Eleanor Skea feels a sense of pride in offering clothing to patients in need**

patient’s wellbeing when leaving the hospital. Knowing they can provide this support gives many staff a sense of pride and reassurance that they are helping patients beyond their immediate medical needs.

Eleanor Skea, Ward Sister on the Emergency Decisions Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary, shared, “I see firsthand the impact the clothes bank has on our patients. It’s a simple act of kindness, but it means so much. Making sure someone has clean, comfortable clothing does more than just meet a basic need – it helps restore their dignity in a moment of vulnerability. I often see the relief on patients’ faces when we offer them something clean and comfortable to wear, and in that moment, their smile says it all. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that such a small gesture can bring so much comfort.”

Whether it’s someone who was admitted in damaged clothing after an emergency or a patient without access to spare clothes, being able to provide this support makes a difficult time a little easier. A thoughtful act like this not only provides warmth and dignity but leaves a lasting impact on a patient’s experience.

It’s no secret the pressures our hospitals sometimes face. With suitable clothing readily available, patients can leave the hospital on time, helping to ensure that Leicester’s Hospitals can run smoothly and compassionately.

This initiative is only possible because of you and your continued support. Your kindness has helped to create a humble but impactful provision for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, offering care, compassion, and respect when it’s needed most.

A little piece of home

Patients like Moez find comfort in a new patient day room

Thanks to your incredible generosity, Ward 33a at Glenfield Hospital has been able to transform their day room into a tranquil space for patients.

**The new fully refurbished**
**day room provides a little piece of** **home on Ward 33a**

The ward specialises in the care of patients with serious cardiac conditions. For many, hospital stays are lengthy and emotionally challenging. The new day room has been created to provide a much-needed haven—a space where patients and loved ones can find peace and are able to recharge during their stay. Previously, patients on the ward lacked a dedicated space to step away from their beds and the busy daily routine of the ward. Now, thanks to your support, a warm and welcoming space has been created, offering comfort and a small sense of normality.

The day room has been thoughtfully designed with patients in mind, providing a cosy sofa, a television with DVDs, and soothing décor to create a calming, homely atmosphere. Every detail, from the furnishings to the layout, was chosen by ward staff to ensure the room feels as homely as possible. Sarah Partner, Staff Nurse on Ward 33a said, “We are so pleased to offer our patients a comforting space that brings a sense of home to the ward. Having the day room located on the ward means that even patients with limited mobility can easily access and enjoy this relaxing area. It’s wonderful to see how much it’s already being appreciated.”

**Patients like Moez can now**
**find comfort in the new day room**

Staff have also shared how the day room has become a space to help patients feel more at ease during their stay. And family members visiting their loved ones can appreciate having a more relaxed and calming space to spend time together.

Moez, from Leicester, who is awaiting heart surgery, said, “The new day room is wonderful and reminds me of my own living room at home. Because of my heart condition I can’t walk too far without becoming out of breath, so I’m unable to venture far. Spending time here has been such a comfort—it’s a little oasis away from the busy ward.”

This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing generous contributions from supporters like you. Thank you for helping to make such a meaningful difference. Because of your support, there is now a space where patients can experience comfort and a little sense of home during their hospital stay.

Celebrating 10 years of partnership with LCFC to raise funds for neonatal equipment

This May, Leicester Hospitals Charity is proudly celebrating a decade of partnership with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC). The milestone marks 10 years of powerful community impact and life-changing support for local patients.

As one of four charities chosen to feature during the 2024/25 season by the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, the charity will take centre stage at the King Power Stadium on Saturday 3 May, when Leicester City face Southampton in a game dedicated to supporting the work of Leicester Hospitals Charity.

The charity and volunteers will be outside the stadium before and after the match engaging with fans and visitors about the campaign, which is hoping to raise £20,000 to support cutting-edge neonatal technology at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

LCFC have been close supporters of Leicester’s Children’s Hospital over the years and this season the club and the charity have partnered to give big for little hearts. Funds raised over the month will enhance the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with the addition of state-of-the-art equipment to benefit the most vulnerable patients, their families and staff.

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

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this season’s charity programme at King Power Stadium. The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation and Leicester City Football Club have been true partners over the past decade — not just in spirit, but in action. We are so incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the VS Foundation and LCFC”

“Leicester’s Hospitals are committed to transforming patient care and staff working at the Neonatal Unit can do just that with the help of state-of-the-art technology such as a portable heart scanner and a 4D imaging probe. Through the partnership with VS Foundation and LCFC we aim to raise £80,000 this May. An incredible £60,000 has already been raised by Leicester City’s season ticket holders earlier in the season, so we are feeling positive about reaching our target with support from visitors and fans over the month of May”

The funds raised will help purchase a state-of-the-art bedside scanner, offering faster and more precise diagnostics for premature and seriously ill babies.

This vital equipment will not only improve clinical outcomes but also provide reassurance and comfort to families during some of their most challenging moments.

Families such as Tony and their twins Isabelle and Jack, who were born at 24 weeks and cared for at the NICU at LRI Hospital, are backing the campaign. As the twins turn 10 this year, the family are raising awareness about the vital care provided through the NICU to show their gratitude to the staff who provided a lifeline for them all during a critical time in their lives.

A Legacy of Impact — A Vision for the Future

Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said:

“As two anchor institutions at the heart of our city, we know that when we work together, we can make great things happen. The funding received through this campaign will help to transform care for some of our most vulnerable patients and allow us to invest in the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

At UHL, our vision is to be a leader in healthcare and trusted by the communities we serve and this partnership exemplifies that ambition. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the club and their supporters for helping us improve lives.”

Leicester City Chief Executive, Susan Whelan, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Leicester Hospitals Charity, especially as we mark a decade of working together. Through The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, we’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, and this partnership holds a very special place in our hearts. With the support of our fans and the generosity of the VS Foundation, we hope to help deliver life-saving technology to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the very best care for patients and their families.”

For more information, to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit: https://leicesterhospitalscharity.org.uk/campaigns/lcfc/