Leeds Children’s Hospital Charity Ball to raise more cash for much-needed service

The Leeds Children’s Hospital Charity Ball has already raised over £70,000 to help fund projects that make a real difference to some of our hospital’s smallest patients and their families. 

At the 2025 event, all funds raised will go towards running the Play Team at Leeds Children’s Hospital, which Leeds Hospitals Charity helps to fund seven days a week, thanks to supporters like you.

Together, your donations will help us continue to support the Play Service, to support seriously ill children through the most difficult time of their young lives.

Our Play Specialists and Play Leaders do an incredible job. They can massively reduce anxiety and stress, helping to normalise hospital surroundings and be a friendly face to children and their families.

The team also help some of the hospital’s smallest patients understand what’s happening to them, making sometimes scary treatments bearable, speeding up treatment, recovery and rehabilitation. It’s so much more than play. 

But, right now, the Play Team is not available seven days a week in all the wards of the hospital, and some patients have no access to a playworker.

Mum of three, Laura Keenan backed the appeal to extend the play service offered at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Her 11-year-old son Max has spent a lot of time in hospital since he was just three years old. Max was diagnosed with a condition called Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and finally underwent a life-changing liver transplant in May.

Over the years, Max has hugely benefited from the Play Service, and particularly enjoyed playing video games with the Play Team, but he only had access to the team on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays and during holidays, there weren’t enough play specialists to support Max on his ward.

Laura spoke to us about the difference the expansion of the play service will make to young people like Max and their families.

She said: “After his liver transplant, Max had to isolate on his ward for 21 days because of the risk of infection. This was really tough for Max, but the Play Team were his lifeline throughout the week.

“However, at weekends, when the Play Team wasn’t available, it was really hard for Max. He couldn’t play with them, go in the play room, or even play games on his tablet, it was incredibly lonely. Every child should have access to play, seven days a week.”

Lisa Beaumont, Therapeutic and Specialised Play Manager at Leeds Children’s Hospital, added: “Understandably, many patients feel overwhelmed when they visit the hospital, it’s an unfamiliar environment where they sometimes need to undergo painful procedures.

“It’s our job as the Play Team to be there for every sick child in hospital, whether it’s preparing them for a procedure, helping to provide distractions from treatment, or simply to spread some smiles.

“Play not only has a positive impact on the patients, but the entire family and support system. Every seriously ill child deserves access to play, whatever day of the week it is.”

The Leeds Children’s Hospital Charity Ball will take place on Saturday 13 September 2025 at Pavilions of Harrogate at 7pm, complete with drinks reception, three-course meal, auction, entertainment and more.

Tickets are available from £110pp or £1,110 for a table of 10 guests and can be purchased through Leeds Hospitals Charity’s website here https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/childrensball25