There are moments in life when the care of our NHS means everything. When a baby arrives too soon, when a loved one faces dementia, or when families find themselves navigating some of their hardest times.
Thanks to an incredible year of generosity, Sheffield Hospitals Charity has received £31,845 following its 2025 Charity of the Year partnership with Meadowhall.
The collaboration brought together retailers, staff and visitors in a shared effort to support impactful NHS initiatives.
Across the 12 months, Meadowhall hosted a packed calendar of fundraising activity which engaged thousands of people, from the glamour of the annual Retail Awards to the everyday generosity of visitors donating via the centre’s Giving Box.
One of the most powerful events of the year was the launch of the Red Shoe Walk. In a sea of bright red t-shirts and shoes, hundreds of people came together to support people living with dementia. Laughter, conversation and shared stories filled the event as participants walked side by side, raising over £10,000 in its very first year. Those funds will support dementia projects across the city and include the creation of two dementia-friendly gardens at the Northern General Hospital.
Creativity also played its part. Sheffield artist Luke Horton designed exclusive gift card wallets for the festive period which went on to raise over £7,000 thanks to £1 being donated by the shopping centre for each wallet purchased. Those proceeds will support the Jessop Maternity Wing, including projects like on-site accommodation to help parents stay close to babies receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, offering comfort and precious closeness during incredibly anxious times.
Beth Crackles, Chief Executive at Sheffield Hospitals Charity:
“We are so grateful to have been Meadowhall’s chosen charity and can’t thank them enough for their incredible partnership last year. Support from organisations like Meadowhall is vital in helping us provide life-changing care and initiatives during some of the most challenging moments people face.”
Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall:
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Sheffield Hospitals Charity. It represents everything Meadowhall stands for – being at the heart of our community and supporting causes that make a real difference to people’s lives.
“The generosity shown by our visitors, retailers and staff over the past year has been truly inspiring. From major fundraising moments like the Red Shoe Walk to the everyday donations made in-centre, this has been a powerful example of what can be achieved when our community comes together to support Sheffield’s NHS.”
The partnership has left a lasting impact, not just in funds raised, but in lives that will be supported across the city. The Red Shoe Walk is set to return in August this year, when Meadowhall and Sheffield Hospitals Charity hope to bring even more people together to support people living with dementia.
Published: Wednesday 25th of February 2026