WHH Charity celebrates a remarkable 2025 and looks ahead to a milestone year

At WHH Charity, we are celebrating an inspiring year of fundraising, generosity and community spirit as we reflect on the impact made throughout 2025 and begin to look ahead to a very special 2026.

Patients, families, staff and supporters from across Warrington and Halton came together to help us fund projects that enhance care, improve hospital environments and provide additional comfort and support at some of life’s most difficult moments.

Making a difference

One of our biggest achievements of 2025 was the launch of the Willow Tree Hub Appeal. The hub will offer a calm, private space close to the Maternity Department at Warrington Hospital for families experiencing baby loss. It will also be home to a specialist Rainbow Clinic, offering extra care and specialist support for those navigating pregnancy after loss. The appeal, launched in March, has already raised more than 60% of the funds needed, thanks to generous donations and fundraising efforts.

The appeal received a significant boost thanks to a £65,227 donation from Buckley Street Independent Methodist Church following its final service after more than 100 years of worship. In June, members of the hospital’s Butterfly Team took on an ambitious fundraising challenge, collectively walking 250,000 steps over one week. The challenge reflected the estimated number of pregnancies lost each year in the UK, with every step taken in memory of the babies and families behind that statistic.

Thanks to the success of our Raising Smiles Appeal, two new digital intraoral scanners are now in place in the Orthodontics Departments at Warrington and Halton Hospitals, improving comfort and experience for patients. We also funded bespoke multi-faith cabinets at both Warrington and Halton sites, strengthening access to spiritual support across our hospitals.

Community support

Community fundraising played a huge role throughout 2025. Culcheth Village Club hosted a 16-hour fundraiser in March, raising more than £13,000 for Warrington Hospital Intensive Care Unit and Macmillan. The event was led by Warren Bibby, who wanted to give back after receiving 16 days of life-saving care at Warrington Hospital.

We launched the WHH Charity Supporters’ Club, an exclusive network for businesses, community groups and individuals passionate about healthcare. Members help shape future plans, connect with like-minded supporters, and enjoy exclusive events and opportunities in recognition of their commitment.

Local biker Matt Lamb raised more than £2,000 for WHH Charity through social media appeals, inspired by care his sons received. Funds helped buy Amazon Fire tablets for Warrington Hospital’s children’s ward, providing entertainment as well as boosting comfort and wellbeing for young patients.

Fundraisers took on new challenges

This year, fundraising efforts have also helped bring lasting improvements to hospital spaces. From walking challenges to extreme sky diving, local supporters and WHH staff have taken on big challenges to raise more than just money.

Our Ophthalmology Team raised funds to create a calming sensory garden outside the Ophthalmology Department at Warrington Hospital with an Autumn ball, whilst Dr Solomon Pudi reached new heights with a trek up Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Caitlin O’Brien, Improving Screening Uptake Officer at WHH, completed a 30-mile sponsored walk. The challenge raised more than £900 for our Moobs and Boobs Appeal, supporting breast cancer care and enhancing patient environments across the Trust.

Twenty-eight dedicated runners proudly represented WHH Charity at the Warrington Running Festival. Held on Sunday 21 September, the event united the community as fundraisers ran in support of their local hospital, helping make a lasting difference for patients and families across the Trust.

Spreading cheer at Christmas time

As the year came to a close, supporters once again helped us ensure patients experienced a little extra joy during the festive period. Donations of toys, selection boxes, sensory items and bravery packs made a real difference across wards, while a surprise visit from Warrington-born world number one darts player Luke Littler helped lift spirits for families, patients and NHS staff.