The Big Pledge Weekend is back for the third year running, aiming to bring the community of Leicester together to support patients, their carers and staff at Leicester’s hospitals. Taking place from Friday 6 March to Monday 9 March 2026, the four-day fundraising event organised by Leicester Hospitals Charity aims to raise vital funds for the Parent Facilities Appeal, which supports parents of critically ill children being cared for in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI).

This year’s event has an ambitious target of £40,000, which will go towards expanding facilities and refurbishing overnight facilities for parents. These improvements will help ensure families can remain close to their children during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The appeal is supported by parents like Michelle, whose daughter Evie spent 46 days in intensive care at Leicester Royal Infirmary. “When my baby girl Evie was rushed into intensive care, my world fell apart,” Michelle said.

“We spent Christmas and her first birthday by her bedside, unsure if she’d survive. The doctors and nurses were incredible, but the parent facilities were limited. Many nights, I slept on a fold-out bed and had no private space to rest or gather my thoughts. That’s why I’m supporting this appeal, to help improve facilities for parents facing what I did.”

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity, said: “Our Big Pledge Weekend always shows the generosity of the community and what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.

“Parents in the CICU face the toughest of times, and the facilities around them matter more than people may realise. By improving our parent facilities at the LRI, we aim to offer more comfort, dignity and reassurance at a time when families need it most.

“It’s been great to see the generous support and donations already coming in for this appeal, and we are looking forward to making great things happen for our parents and families thanks to the Big Pledge Weekend.”

On Saturday 7 March, supporters can tune into Ramadan FM, where the charity will host a special Pledge Day, encouraging listeners to get involved and support the appeal. Donations made during Ramadan hold special significance, and the day will highlight the power of collective generosity.

Throughout the weekend, supporters will also be able to visit the pledge points across Leicester, including Ramadan Radio FM on Evington Road and Haymarket Shopping Centre, where they can learn more about the appeal and donate in person.

Funds raised will support much-needed improvements on CICU, including:

• Refurbishing existing parent bedroom spaces
• Creating a new dedicated 24-hour parent lounge with a kitchenette for parents to prepare hot
• drinks and have a break away from the ward
• Providing essential privacy during an incredibly difficult time
• Offering dignity, comfort and proximity to their child’s bedside

The charity is also hoping to secure match funders to help maximise impact, so that all donations made during the appeal will be doubled at no extra cost to supporters, meaning a £50 gift becomes £100 and goes twice as far in supporting families. If you would like to be a match funder, please get in touch with Leicester Hospitals Charity.

Community groups, individuals and businesses are welcome to join us this Big Pledge Weekend by organising their own fundraising activities. Please get in touch for a fundraising pack and support to set up a fundraising page as part of the campaign.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved, click here.