Barry Bannan announced as ambassador of The Children’s Hospital Charity

THE Children’s Hospital Charity is thrilled to announce the appointment of its new ambassador, Barry Bannan, and to kick off his new role, Barry is hosting a sold-out fundraising event at Sheffield’s Mercure St Paul’s.

An Evening With Barry Bannan And Friends is taking place on 3^rd March 2024, and will play host to Sheffield Wednesday legends from the current squad to icons from days gone by.

Bannan has been captain of Sheffield Wednesday for 4 years and has shown support for the Charity throughout his time with the club. Last year he took part in the Charity’s Women’s World Cup challenge, #5forTheo, and shared the story of 10-year-old Sheffield Children’s patient and football fan, Ronald, to social media.

He also auctioned a shirt to fans and raised an incredible £2,655. It’s this ongoing support that has led to his appointment as an ambassador.

The Mercure event will be hosted by the legendary Steve Bracknall and includes a Q&A with the players and a few special surprises. Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers will provide musical performances and guests will be treated to a three-course meal. There will also be a raffle with money can’t buy prizes, with all proceeds going to the Charity.

Charity Ambassadors are people who have committed to raising awareness of Sheffield Children’s Hospital in their highly-specialist fields. They have pledged to utilise their expertise and enthusiasm to support the charity’s upcoming events and fundraising efforts.

The evening solidifies Barry’s support of the Charity and thanks to the generosity of Sheffield Wednesday fans, tickets sold out in just four days after going on sale on 1^st November.

Barry said:

“I have visited Sheffield Children’s many times with the team, and it is incredible to see the work they do for children and their families. To hold this event and to be able to give something back to the hospital is amazing. We’re so grateful to everyone who is attending and it’s amazing to see how quickly the event has sold out. To spend the evening with a room full of fans and also support the Charity is brilliant.” 

Jon McClure said:

“I love Sheffield Children’s Hospital but I’m really only coming to see if Will Vaulks will do an Oasis song with me.”

Steve Bracknall said of the event: 

“For nearly 25 years I’ve been involved in the Sheffield Sunday League. An absolute privilege to share my philosophy.”

Bannan’s support will help the Charity to continue providing enhancements that are over and above the NHS provision for Sheffield Children’s.

They support specialist treatment from head to toe, by funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world. 

Sheffield Children’s is one of just three standalone specialist children’s hospitals in the UK, providing the best possible care for children all over Yorkshire, the UK and beyond.

Rob Gurruchaga, Development Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said:

“Charity ambassadors are incredibly important in raising the profile of our charity, and to have Barry Bannan on board is very exciting. Barry is a local hero and by supporting us he will help change the lives of children from Sheffield, Yorkshire, and beyond.”

To find out more about The Children’s Hospital Charity Ambassadors, please visit their website at: tchc.org.uk/ambassadors and to find out more about how you could support the charity in 2024 to help build a new research and technology centre for Sheffield Children’s, visit: tchc.org.uk/events.