On Friday 5th April, The Children’s Hospital Charity celebrated the achievements of the Daffodil Ball, with a finale lunch. Organised by supporters of the Charity, David and Jean Fyfe, the event has supported Sheffield Children’s for more than 30 years.
Through sponsorship, donations, a raffle, and auction, the Daffodil Ball Celebration Lunch raised £20,805, bringing the Daffodil Ball’s contributions to Sheffield Children’s to an amazing £1,209,082 in total.
Beginning their fundraising journey in 1990, David and Jean Fyfe organised their first Daffodil Ball alongside friends Nigel and Sandra Worthington. The annual event became popular amongst some of Sheffield’s most prominent business figures, soon raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
With the annual celebrations attended by over 7,000 people since its foundation in 1990, this year marks the thirtieth Daffodil Ball event, finishing their fundraising commitment with a celebration lunch organised by The Children’s Hospital Charity as thanks to David, Jean, and everyone involved for their huge contribution to the Charity.
The Daffodil Balls have helped to contribute to some of The Children Hospital Charity’s largest projects, including the entirely Charity-funded haematology and oncology ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, as well as a state-of-the-art burns treatment room in the hospital’s new wing.
The lunch, held at INOX Sheffield, was attended by over 125 guests, including veteran attendees of the Balls and new supporters, as well as Charity partners Taylor Emmet, Irwin Mitchell and Guardian Electrical. Funds raised on the day will go towards both the dermatology unit and the spinal unit, two departments the Daffodil Ball has historically supported, being close to David and Jean’s hearts.
The Charity would like to thank each person involved in the events over the years as well as sponsors of the celebration lunch including Brewin Dolphin, Richard and Pat Howard, Fyfe Financial, Landin Wilcock & Co. and Brown McLeod. Also deserving a special mention, as long-standing supporters of the event, Audrey Hobson, John and Lynda Bate, Tony and Annette Godwin and Lorraine Thompson. The lunch was kindly hosted by INOX Dine, with Andy Chubb photographing the event and Charity ambassador Lucy Crapper auctioneering.
David Fyfe said, “Organising the Daffodil Ball has always been an enjoyment for me, simply because you know you are achieving something and making a difference. The pleasure of knowing that the funds were going towards such a fantastic hospital has made it all worthwhile.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us, as we could never have achieved such a phenomenal total raised without our friends, family, colleagues and the staff at The Children’s Hospital Charity.”
Caitlin Hallatt, Philanthropy Manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The Celebration Lunch was the send-off the Daffodil Ball deserved, it was so lovely to be joined by so many long-term supporters of the event as well as our Charity supporters too.
“The afternoon was a huge celebration of everything that David and Jean have achieved and a showcase of the lasting legacy they have created for Sheffield Children’s. We are so grateful to everyone involved for their continued support, and to reach the £1.2million target is incredible.”
