School crowned WHH Charity Champion during special anniversary year
Friday 12 June 2026
A primary school whose pupils have spread kindness, smiles and generosity to patients, families and staff at Warrington Hospital has been named Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ (WHH) Charity’s first Charity Champion.
The special award was presented to the entire school during a visit from the charity following North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust's annual Thank You Awards.
Introduced as part of WHH Charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the Charity Champion Award recognises fundraisers, volunteers and advocates whose dedication, involvement and commitment to championing the charity have made a meaningful difference to patients, families and staff across the trust.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, based in Whitecross, Warrington, was crowned the winner after impressing judges with its kindness, creativity and community spirit. Through fundraising activities, hospital visits and thoughtful acts of kindness, pupils and staff have made a lasting impact on patients and staff alike.
As long-standing champions of their local hospital, pupils have visited Warrington Hospital's Stroke Unit, which cares for people recovering from strokes and undergoing rehabilitation with the trust, and the Forget Me Not Unit, which supports patients living with dementia. During their regular visits, they performed songs and personally delivered handmade cards filled with get well wishes, words of encouragement and messages of kindness. The pupils have also become familiar faces of the charity, starring in a series of promotional videos highlighting the difference fundraising makes, while inspiring others to get involved in supporting the charity. Alongside this, the school has frequently taken part in fundraising activities and encouraged pupils to think about ways they can help others in their community.
The award also recognised the contributions of two highly commended finalists. Shaun Ryan from Protive Security has proudly championed WHH Charity since 2016, helping to enhance experiences for patients and families through continued fundraising efforts. Laurence Barrow from Barrow Electrical was also recognised for his ongoing involvement, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic and has developed into a valued partnership benefiting patients, families and staff.
Helen Higginson, head of fundraising at WHH Charity, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of support, it felt important to recognise the incredible people, businesses and organisations who help make our work possible. The stories shared through the Charity Champion nominations have been truly inspiring and demonstrate the generosity that exists across our communities.
“Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is a wonderful example of the difference that can be made when people come together to help others. The enthusiasm, compassion and commitment shown by the pupils and staff has touched so many people, and we're delighted to recognise their contribution with this award.
“We would also like to thank our highly commended finalists, Shaun and Laurence, whose commitment over many years has helped us enhance care and experiences across the trust.”
Danielle Walker, assistant headteacher at the Whitecross school, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. Working with the charity is something that means a great deal to our school community and our pupils are always eager to help others.
“We’re incredibly proud of the kindness and generosity shown by our children and grateful to everyone who has contributed to our fundraising activities over the years. It is an honour to be recognised during such a special year for the charity, and we look forward to continuing our involvement in the future.”
WHH Charity supports North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust by funding projects, equipment and initiatives that help enhance care and experiences for patients, families and staff across hospital and community services.
As the charity celebrates its 30th birthday, the Charity Champion Award highlights the lasting impact fundraisers, volunteers and advocates continue to make across the trust and the communities it serves.
