Over the past 150 years, millions of children and young people have received expert, compassionate and innovative care at Sheffield Children’s.

For one Sheffield family, including grandma Maureen and grandson Adam, Sheffield Children’s has been part of their story for more than 80 years.

From delivering life-saving treatment during the Second World War to caring for the next generation decades later, the hospital has supported the family through some of life’s most challenging moments, creating a connection that continues to this day.

Maureen’s story

At the heart of that story is 91-year-old Maureen Walsh. In 1942, when Maureen was just seven years old, her life changed forever. A serious scalding accident left her with devastating burns across much of her upper body and face.

“The doctors told my grandma she wasn’t expected to survive the night,” recalls Maureen’s daughter, Patricia.

Against the odds, Maureen did survive. What followed was eight years of treatment at Sheffield Children’s, including a series of pioneering plastic surgery procedures that would transform her future.

She was cared for by Mr Heinz, an Army doctor who had been specially called upon to help with her severe injuries, alongside Mr Crawford. Over the years, Maureen underwent multiple operations, including skin grafts from her leg to her face, reconstruction around her eye and surgery to rebuild part of her eye socket.

“It was a long journey,” says Patricia. “After some of the operations she was completely covered in bandages. On one occasion, her own mum didn’t recognise her.”

Yet despite the difficult treatment and lengthy hospital stays, it is the kindness of the people who cared for her that remains strongest in Maureen’s memories. One nurse, Joan, became a particularly important figure in her life. During the war years, with Maureen’s father serving in the Army and travel difficult and expensive for her mother, Joan often stepped in to provide comfort and support, and was said to look after Maureen as though she was family.

Maureen remembers walking through Weston Park with fellow patients, enjoying jelly and ice cream on the wards.

In 1950, at the age of 15, Maureen underwent her final major operation after waiting for Mr Heinz to return from military service. It was one of the most significant procedures she received and marked the end of years of treatment. Today, few people would ever know what care she needed as a child.

“The surgeons did such an incredible job,” says Patricia. “You’d hardly know she’d been through all those operations.”

After leaving hospital, Maureen went on to live a full and active life. She worked as a nanny before becoming a machinist in Sheffield factories, including Chapel’s textile works. She married the love of her life after meeting him as a teenager and the pair shared more than 75 years together.

Together they raised seven children, four boys and three girls, and Maureen became known for her kindness, resilience and community spirit. She spent many years playing the tambourine in the Salvation Army, crocheting and knitting clothes for babies, and supporting her family.

Today, she is a proud great-great-grandmother. “It’s amazing really,” says Patricia. “After everything she’d been through, she’s had such a wonderful life.”

A family affair – care at Sheffield Children’s through the ages

Four decades after Maureen’s treatment began, Sheffield Children’s became part of the family’s story once again.

In 1982, Patricia’s young son Adam needed plastic surgery. When he arrived at Sheffield Children’s, the family were astonished to discover that his consultant was none other than Mr Crawford, the same surgeon who had helped care for Maureen all those years earlier.

“What are the chances of that?” says Patricia. “Forty years later, Mum’s grandson was being treated by the very same consultant.”

For Patricia, the experience brought its own challenges. Adam was just three years old when he underwent surgery, while she was also pregnant with her son Steve. With her husband working down the pit, she often felt isolated while staying near the hospital.

“The accommodation wasn’t the easiest place to stay,” she remembers. “But the staff were absolutely brilliant. They looked after Adam so well and they supported me through a really difficult time.”

Adam made a full recovery and would go on to enjoy a healthy future. He said: “I am very grateful to the hospital and the staff, for everything they did for me during my stay.”

Over the years, Sheffield Children’s continued to play a role in family life. There were hearing tests, grommets, minor injuries and emergency visits. One son arrived after getting a plastic screw stuck up his nose. Another needed specialist care. Like many Sheffield families, they found themselves returning time and again.

“We always felt welcome,” says Patricia. “The staff knew us, and every time we came the care was outstanding.”

Celebrating an 80-year connection

Today, the family’s connection to Sheffield Children’s continues through fundraising.

For the past eight years, Patricia has supported Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity’s Snowflake Appeal, dedicating a snowflake each Christmas in honour of the care her family has received across generations.

“Every snowflake means something to us,” she says. “It represents the care Mum received as a little girl, the care Adam received years later and all the support we’ve had since.”

As Sheffield Children’s marks its 150th year, their family’s story spans more than half of that remarkable history.

From a young girl whose life was saved during wartime, to her grandson receiving care from the very same consultant decades later, it is a story that reflects the lasting impact Sheffield Children’s has had on generations of children and families.

“Sheffield Children’s has always been there for us,” says Patricia. “The treatment was incredible, but it’s the kindness we’ve never forgotten.

“We’ll always be grateful.”

Thank you Maureen, Patricia and Adam. Your incredible story shows how Sheffield Children’s cares for families not just in moments – but across lifetimes.