Campaign for helipad at children’s hospital given boost

A CAMPAIGN for a life-saving helipad to reduce delays at Sheffield Children’s Hospital has been granted a major boost.

The appeal, backed by the family of a 14-year-old Sheffield boy who nearly lost his life in 2016, aims to raise £6m to ensure patients can access urgent care from across South Yorkshire. Now, as part of a new charity partnership, the HELP Appeal has presented £562,500 out of a £2.25m pledge to back the cause.

Having a helipad beside the emergency department will save time, lives, and keep families together, said Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal, while David Vernon-Edwards, hospital charity director, said this was a crucial campaign.

“With the pressures on our Emergency Department growing every year, this project has never been more needed,” he added.

The Sheffield Children’s Hospital helps up to 200 children a day. At present, air ambulances have to land in a nearby public park, with patients transported across a busy road under police escort.

Among those backing the appeal are the family of 14-year-old schoolboy Joe Boyer, who was gravely injured after being struck by a motorcycle. He was taken to Sheffield Children’s Hospital by air ambulance, but the team had to clear a wedding from the park before the helicopter could land.

“Minutes matter in these situations and other families might not be so lucky,” said his mother, Marie Boyer.