When Sam Leeks and Nicole Hirst walk through the altar together in October, they will change Sheffield Children’s Hospital forever.
Instead of gifts, the couple asked their guests to make a donation for the hospital’s call to build a new cancer and leukemia ward.
Her son, ten-year-old Charlie Leeks, has been treated for a brain tumor on the ward since November 2020.
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Nicole, 30, of Stocksbridge said, “We have been together for 12 years now so we already have all of the traditional wedding favors like pots and pans.
Charlie Leeks is being treated in the cancer and leukemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital
(Image: Sheffield Children’s Hospital / Leeks Family Album)
“We have seen couples ask for money for their honeymoon instead of gifts, and the idea came from that.
“Sheffield Children’s, especially Ward 6, is very important to us, so it was a really easy decision.”
Guests will also flaunt the charity’s mascot, Theo Bear, by wearing lapel pins as wedding favors.
The money raised through the gesture will help transform the station into a bigger, brighter room with a better playroom in the heart of the station.
It maximizes views of Weston Park and makes patients feel connected to the outside world while they get better. There should also be better accommodation options for their children for parents.
From LR: Charlie Leeks and siblings Marshall and Lylah-Poppy
(Image: Sheffield Children’s Hospital / Leeks Family Album)
Nicole added, “It is really exciting to see that construction has started on the station.
“It will also provide privacy for families if they just have to take a moment, and more rooms with park views will be fantastic.
“The care we have received has always been exceptional, the staff make sure that you feel comfortable and do everything they can to make the most difficult times more bearable.
“We may never thank them enough for everything they’ve done, but this seems like a good start.”
Sam Leeks and future bride Nicole Hirst
(Image: Sheffield Children’s Hospital / Leeks Family Album)
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Charlie’s advisor at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, advisory children’s oncologist Dr. Victoria Lee added, “I’ve known Charlie since he was around five years old, although it probably feels like forever to him.
“He is a lovely young man and has always been a pleasure to look after.
“I know his family to be incredibly kind and generous to others, so I’m not surprised they do that.
“That doesn’t change the unbelievable generosity of this gift and on behalf of everyone on the station I would like to thank Sam and Nicole and their children Charlie, Marshall and Iylah-Poppy a life of happiness together.”
To support The Children’s Hospital Charity’s call to redesign the Cancer and Leukemia Ward, visit: www.tchc.org.uk/appeal/cancer-ward/