A special event, kindly hosted by Dame Mary Archer, Co-Chair of the Cambridge Children's Hospital Campaign Board, was held to celebrate the contributions that children, young people, parents and carers have made to the Cambridge Children's Hospital project.
The Cambridge Children's Hospital team were delighted to welcome children, young people, parents and carers from all over the East of England, and their guests, to a Celebration Evening. It was an opportunity to say thank you for the support they have given to the project in different ways.
Many people have shared their stories of hospital care to support our fundraising and awareness campaigns, while others have joined meetings and workshops, giving their expert feedback to help shape how the new hospital will look, feel and care.
While we were sad some people couldn't make it, we were thrilled to see so many familiar faces, including members of our Youth and Young Adult Forums, our Parent Carer Voice, and our Parent Advocates.
The impact that children, young people, parents and carers have had on the Cambridge Children’s Hospital project cannot be underestimated. We would not have got this far without their support. Their voices have underpinned all aspects of our work, and will continue to do so, as we move towards construction next year. Our Celebration Evening was a wonderful way to say a proper thank you for all they have done.
Malcolm McFrederick, Cambridge Children's Hospital Project Director
Our guests, with their families, partners and friends, enjoyed a challenging scavenger hunt around the glorious garden and also created artwork which will be used to make a collage for our Collaboration Hub. They enjoyed picnics and garden games on the lawn, as well as thank you speeches given by Dame Mary Archer, Clinical Lead Nurse Vicky Amiss-Smith, and Clinical Director Rob Heuschkel.
The jazz quartet Django's Tiger, kindly provided by Dame Mary, provided musical entertainment throughout the evening. The Cambridge Children's Hospital team were grateful to a number of organisations for kindly donating treats for the occasion, with delicious Jack's Gelato ice cream, gooey Fitzbillies chocolate brownies, and fruity cupcakes from Waitrose.
It was a joy to welcome children and families from across the East of England to our very special celebration evening. So much of our campaign to raise funds for Cambridge Children’s Hospital has their stories front and centre, so it is important that every person feels appreciated for their contributions and their support. Together, we are making this new specialist hospital a reality.
Dame Mary Archer, Co-Chair of Cambridge Children's Hospital Campaign Board
The designs for Cambridge Children's Hospital have now been finalised ahead of the submission of our Full Business Case to Government. Construction is due to start in 2027 and complete in 2030. Children, young people, parents and carers will continue to be at the forefront during the next steps of the project and fundraising campaign.
