We are partnering with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust!

• Sheffield Children’s is partnering with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to inspire young people through one-to-one online mentoring with professional athletes.
• The programme, funded by Sport England, aims to address inequalities in accessing sport and supports recovery after hospital stays.
• Speak to your physiotherapist or occupational therapist for more information.

Sheffield Children’s is partnering with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a charity that connects young people with world-class athletes. 

Building on successful projects at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital, this initiative is designed to inspire and support young people in achieving their fitness goals and improving their overall wellbeing. 

Martin Talbot, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s CEO said: “We’re delighted to deliver this impactful programme in Sheffield Children’s as we continue to grow and expand its reach. We understand the challenges faced by young people whose lives have been affected by life changing and chronic medical conditions as well as periods of time spent in hospital and it’s a privilege for us and our athlete mentors to support patients in Sheffield on their road to recovery.”

With funds from Sport England, designed to tackle inequalities in accessing sport and physical activity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust aims to support young people on their journey to recovery during or following their time spent in hospital. 

This groundbreaking collaboration will pair children with professional athletes, offering one-to-one online mentoring sessions. These sessions will provide personalised guidance to help children either get into fitness for the first time or regain their confidence and skills after a break. 

Henry Cookey, Trust athlete mentor, Commonwealth, and five times British Champion Taekwondo fighter said: “It’s so inspiring seeing what these young people have overcome and still be such amazing characters, they have so much potential and it’s great working to bring that out. I see such a big positive change in them and their outlook between the first and last session and form a great relationship with them. Having the sessions online gives us the chance to be anywhere in the country (or the world) and still make such a big impact on someone going through a tough time. It’s such an honour and so great to be part of such an amazing programme, and I can’t wait to do more and meet more of these superheroes!”

The programme, accessible online, ensures that children from all areas can participate. By working closely with experienced athletes, children will not only work on their physical health but also develop crucial life skills like perseverance, goal setting, and resilience. 

Catherine Dunbar, Healthy Lives Project Manager said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to support and enable young people to be active and build on confidence and motivation. This will be a fantastic opportunity to link our therapists, children and young people and athletes together to mentor them and we’re delighted to be part of the initiative to further provide healthier futures for children and young people.” 

Tamsin Cruz, Specialist Physiotherapist also added “We understand the vital role physical activity plays in young people’s health and wellbeing, but long-term conditions or extended hospital stays can often create barriers to staying active. The athlete mentoring program offers a valuable opportunity for the young people we work with to help them access physical activity and build confidence and motivation during their rehabilitation and return to sport.”

Sheffield Children’s is committed to promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people, and this initiative reflects that dedication. We hope to improve fitness, boosted confidence as well as the encouragement of healthy lifestyles that will have a long-lasting impact.