Category: Latest News

Hope Against Cancer supports Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Aseptic Suite Appeal with funding for three specialist isolators

Leicester Hospitals Charity is pleased to announce that Hope Against Cancer is supporting the Aseptic Suite Appeal, which will help fund three of the five specialist isolators for the new state-of-the-art aseptic facility at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. This partnership will help more patients to access pioneering cancer treatments and clinical trials.

The new aseptic suite will be located above the Hope Cancer Trials Centre in the Osborne Building, and will enable more patients to access life-changing clinical trials and innovative therapies. It will do this by significantly increasing the capacity of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) to prepare advanced cancer treatments under sterile conditions.

The new suite, which is part of plans for our future hospitals at UHL, will house five isolators across two clean rooms and will support the preparation of complex treatments, including cancer vaccines, gene therapies and cell-based treatments.

UHL’s existing aseptic suite is currently operating at full capacity. The new facility will help remove constraints and future-proof cancer care for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and the wider region.

Paul Desborough, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Against Cancer, said: “This year, we are incredibly proud to support the Aseptic Suite Appeal. It will be an incredible facility that helps break a significant bottleneck in the current system, enabling more patients to benefit from pioneering treatments and ensuring Leicester continues to lead the way in cancer innovation.

“The Hope Clinical Trials Centre is critical to the Leicester environment because it gives local people access to cancer treatments while retaining the clinical excellence that has been developed here in Leicester. This investment strengthens Leicester’s position as a centre of excellence for cancer research and treatment.”

The project is expected to increase treatment preparation capacity by more than 80% by 2033/34 and support the recruitment of more patients into clinical trials, particularly those from diverse and underserved communities.

Sunita Patel, Director of Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hope Against Cancer for their generous support of the Aseptic Suite Appeal and for funding three specialist isolators that will sit at the heart of this transformative facility.

“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when local charities come together with a shared vision to improve patient care and advance cancer research. The new aseptic suite will unlock opportunities for more patients to participate in clinical trials, support pioneering cancer treatments and strengthen Leicester’s reputation as a leader in innovation and research.

“By investing in this critical infrastructure today, we are helping ensure patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond can benefit from the most advanced cancer therapies for years to come.”

Hope Against Cancer’s contribution has been made possible thanks to the generosity of its supporters and donors.

Paul Desborough added: “Without the support of our donors, projects like the Hope Cancer Trials Centre and now the new aseptic suite would take much longer to become a reality. Through your generosity and commitment, we are helping create a world-leading facility where pioneering cancer treatments can be prepared safely and delivered to those who need them most.

Sunita Patel continued: “One of the great advantages of Hope Against Cancer working alongside Leicester Hospitals Charity is that together we are delivering immediate clinical capability and capacity for patients across Leicester and Leicestershire. Through collaboration, we can achieve far more.”

The Aseptic Suite Appeal

The overall fundraising aim is £2,932,000, with more than 60% of funding already secured, including money from Hope Against Cancer; Leicester Hospitals Charity has also invested £500,000, as has the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Construction has already started and is expected to open in early 2028, creating a facility that will support cancer research and patient care for generations to come.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester’s Charity Walk has raised £7,082 for his two chosen charities, Leicester Hospitals Charity and Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS).

The walk, which took place on Saturday 3 October, saw more than 100 people take part and were supported by volunteers and local businesses. £1,225 was collected through bucket donations on the day, with the overall total being split between the two charities. The participants walked from Gurdwara Sahib, Hamilton to the Town Hall Square completing 4.8miles.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, said: “I am incredibly proud of what everyone involved has achieved. I would like to thank every walker, volunteer, local business and donor who helped make the day such a success.

“It was wonderful to see people come together for two organisations that do such important work across Leicester. I hope the support shown during my charity walk will continue throughout my year as Lord Mayor.”

Ginda Basra, Trustee and Lead of Midland Langar Seva Society Leicester said: “The walk was a wonderful example of seva in action. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time and support, and to the volunteers and businesses who helped make the day possible.

“The contribution to MLSS will help us continue providing practical support to people who need it across Leicester. We are delighted to be working alongside Leicester Hospitals Charity as part of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.”

Sunita Patel, Director of Leicester Hospitals Charity said: “We are extremely grateful to the Lord Mayor and everyone who supported the walk. The generosity shown has been fantastic, and the funds will help us make a real difference to patients, families and NHS staff.

“Through Leicester Hospitals Charity, donations help fund projects, equipment, research and improvements that go towards enhancing care and patient experience. We are proud to be part of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal alongside MLSS and look forward to continuing this partnership throughout the year.”

The Charity Walk forms part of a wider programme of activities during the Lord Mayor’s year, supporting both charities and their work across Leicester. With the walk the Appeal has raised £17,636 so far.

You can read more about the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s Appeal 2026/27 and donate by clicking here.

A special courtyard garden below the Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU) at Glenfield Hospital has been transformed into a safe, accessible and therapeutic outdoor space for critically ill patients, their families and AICU staff thanks to the generosity of supporters of Leicester Hospitals Charity and The Rotary Club of Leicester.

Phase one of the project was completed in July 2025 following a successful £50,000 funding bid through the Charity to reconfigure the space. This year, a generous gift of £10,000 from The Rotary Club of Leicester has transformed the garden to life even further.

The funding has provided dedicated transfer equipment to support patient safety to and from the ward to the garden. Seating for patients and families, sensory planting and greenery, essential garden maintenance and new pathways. There is also a beautiful willow sculpture created by a local artist.

Anthea Brookes-Elbaz, Deputy Sister, said: “We started this project in 2022, coming out of the COVID pandemic, with a vision to create a calm outdoor space where patients, their families and staff could benefit from the positive effects of nature. As a Critical Care Sister, I know how important it is to create opportunities for patients to step away from the clinical environment and experience fresh air, natural light and a sense of normality.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Leicester and the supporters of Leicester Hospitals Charity, as well as everyone who has supported our fundraising and development, for helping turn this vision into reality. This garden is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a team comes together, and it will make a real difference to patients, relatives and our staff.”

The garden provides a calming environment that supports patients and families, while also offering an important space for staff wellbeing. It is already making a huge difference. Critically ill patients can safely be taken outside, including patients in beds, on ventilators or breathing machines, and even those receiving life support using ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine). It gives them access to fresh air, natural light, and a sense of normality away from the busy clinical AICU environment.

Victoria Sumner, Head of Fundraising at Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of Leicester for their generous support of this project. Their donation is helping to create a space that will have a lasting impact on patients, families and our colleagues at Glenfield Hospital.

“Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of communities coming together to support local healthcare. Every pound raised through community fundraising helps us go above and beyond what NHS funding alone can provide, enhancing the care and experience of patients when they need it most. We are proud to work alongside organisations such as The Rotary Club of Leicester to make projects like this a reality.

“And a huge thank you to our supporters, our colleagues and volunteers, and everyone who has helped make this project possible. Your support is helping create more than a garden; it is creating moments of comfort, connection and hope.”

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.

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 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.
Poster for the play on the pitch eventThe 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.

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. 

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. 

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) is proud to announce the opening of the first SWAN Room, made possible through the incredible generosity of supporters of Leicester Hospitals Charity.

The SWAN (Sign/Words/Actions/Needs) model of care is a nationally recognised approach designed to improve the experience of dying patients and their families. It enhances the confidence and knowledge of ward teams, and ensures care is delivered with dignity, compassion and respect. The introduction of SWAN Rooms at UHL marks a significant step forward in improving the quality and consistency of end-of-life care across the Trust.

The three pilot rooms are located at:

  • Ward 35 and 29 at Glenfield Hospital
  • Ward 40 at Leicester Royal Infirmary

These thoughtfully enhanced side rooms provide a peaceful, calming environment for patients who are recognised as dying. They allow those important to the patient to spend precious time together in comfort and privacy.

Karen Murray, Palliative and End of Life Care Lead Nurse,  said: “When a patient’s condition deteriorates, families often choose to remain at the bedside, sometimes overnight and at very short notice. The SWAN Rooms are equipped with practical comforts such as reclining chairs, soft furnishings, refreshment facilities and toiletry packs, helping loved ones to rest and care for themselves while staying close.

“The rooms also create opportunities for meaningful memory-making — whether listening to a favourite song, creating handprints, or accessing specialist resources for bereaved children. These compassionate touches can make a lasting difference during one of life’s most difficult moments.”

Funded by the Community

The three initial developments of the SWAN Rooms have been funded entirely thanks to the generosity of individuals, community groups and businesses supporting Leicester Hospitals Charity.

Among those supporters is a local business, Crowndale Foodservice, whose employees completed a sponsored swim challenge in Bulgaria, raising an incredible £4,000 towards the project.

William Boulger, Director of Crowndale Foodservice (pictured left), said: “When we heard about the SWAN Rooms and the difference they would make to families at such a vulnerable time, we knew we wanted to help. Taking on the swim challenge was tough, but nothing compared to what families go through. Our local hospitals play a vital role in caring for the people around us every day, and we are proud to do what we can to support them. We’re pleased that the money we raised will help create a more peaceful and dignified environment for patients and their loved ones.”

The project was also supported by Emily Newton (pictured fourth from right), who completed the London Marathon in 2025 in memory of her father, who passed away in 2024. Emily said: “The hospital was there when my dad was receiving end-of-life care.  I wanted to support the hospital and decided to run the London Marathon in his memory, and I approached the Charity to help me raise funds for this project.  I’m proud to be able to help other families by creating a calm, comforting space to spend precious final moments together.  The room looks great.”

Building for the Future

The launch follows learning from other NHS trusts, including Northampton General Hospital, where SWAN Rooms have already transformed the care experience for dying patients and their families. Feedback from patients, relatives and staff has shown significant improvements in comfort, dignity and overall experience.

UHL hopes this pilot will demonstrate the positive impact of the SWAN model locally and inspire further charitable support to expand the programme to additional wards. There are also future ambitions to create a dedicated family room away from clinical areas, recognising the important role such spaces play in supporting loved ones.

This initiative forms part of UHL’s wider strategy to improve end-of-life care and enhance the care environment for patients and families.

Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity (pictured right) said: “We are incredibly grateful to every individual and organisation who has supported this project so far. The SWAN Rooms show the powerful difference charitable donations can make in our hospitals. Together we’ve been able to support colleagues to create spaces of comfort, dignity and compassion for patients and families when they are needed most.

“We exist to support UHL to enhance the care and experience of everyone who comes into contact with our services.  We are so pleased to support our Specialist Palliative Care Team to continue to raise funds for more SWAN rooms across all wards within the three acute sites.”

For more information about the SWAN Rooms or to support the work of the Specialist Palliative Care Team, please click here.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the latest news, events and offers

This will close in 0 seconds