Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has illuminated its skyline with special light displays to mark the start of Ramadan and celebrate Chinese New Year, in an event led by Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
Families, charity supporters volunteers gathered outside Sheffield Children’s Hospital on Monday, for the switch-on of two displays — Moon and Stars for Ramadan and Dragon and Lanterns to welcome the Year of the Horse. The celebrations also featured a Chinese Dragon dance before the countdown, a poem read out by a patient and appearances from faith leaders, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield and the South Yorkshire Mayor.
The displays form part of the charity’s annual light campaign, which aims to create uplifting moments for patients and families, as well as to bring in money for the hospital. Attendees at the event said the installations provide colour, comfort and “something magical to look up at,” for young people facing treatment, while also reflecting the diverse communities that make up Sheffield.
The event was delivered through collaboration between hospital teams, volunteers and local businesses, including AP lifters and Wildfire, who helped with the light installation and provided music, respectively.
Collections from local mosques have taken place in the leadup to the event to help sponsor the illuminations.
Harriet Clark, Fundraising Project Manager said that more than £50,000 has already been pledged through the light campaign.
Funds raised by the Moon and Stars display will be used for Sheffield Children’s Family Coach Model, helping families facing health challenges shaped by wider social and environmental factors. Alternatively, funds raised through the Lunar New Year appeal will be used to support paediatric research at the Hospital.
The illuminations have kicked off the Lunar New Year celebrations in Sheffield, followed last night by the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Spectacular at The Octagon, featuring acrobatic performances, traditional Dragon Dance and cultural showcases. All ticket sale profits from the event were generously donated to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.
A full programme of events can be found here.