Volunteer Steve spreads World Book Day joy

Every Thursday, volunteer Steve takes his book trolley around the wards at Sheffield Children’s. But today is a special trip – because it’s World Book Day!  

At 77, Steve brings a lifetime love of reading – and a stack of stories – to the bedsides of children and young people staying in the hospital. There’s lots on offer, from favourites like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo for our littlest patients, to teenage adventure and drama for young adults.  

Steve’s trolley is kept stocked by the charity Read for Good’s hospital programme, who supply new books to children staying in hospitals around the country.   

After raising his own children on the classics, Steve loves nothing more than passing those stories on, and his visits can offer distraction, learning and a chance for connection.  

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed books and reading to my children when they were young. I liked the classics, and still reread them now. It’s nice to pass those on to another generation.  

“It’s very important to inspire a love of reading, it can be a great way to stimulate communication and discussion in families.”  

In the year that Sheffield Children’s turns 150, Steve’s weekly rounds are a wonderful example of how the care we provide every day goes beyond our outstanding clinical care. We look after the whole child – their wellbeing, learning, and happiness – whether they’re in hospital, at school, or at home. People like Steve show how everyone across Sheffield Children’s plays a part in making our care truly special.