MY Hospitals Charity achieves national recognition thanks to creative campaigns and community support

MY Hospitals Charity, which supports Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and its local communities, has been shortlisted for Fundraising Team of the Year at the 2025 Charity Times Awards, in recognition of an exceptional year of growth, innovation, and community spirit.

Donations to the charity help to fund projects that go above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide and enhance healthcare for the 500,000 people served across Wakefield, Pontefract, and Dewsbury. In just 12 months, the small but creative fundraising team has transformed the charity’s visibility and impact, increasing donations by more than 70%.

Keith Ramsay, Chair of MY Hospitals Charity and Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said:

This recognition is a testament to our team’s creativity, resilience and unwavering focus on people — from colleagues and patients at our hospitals, to local communities, businesses and supporters.

The team are always planning new events and new ways to make a difference, and I feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

We are thrilled to have been shortlisted, and we will keep our fingers crossed for the ceremony on 25 September. I would like to thank everyone who supported our campaigns over the past year and shared even a small donation. We couldn’t do any of this without you!

Highlights of the year include the MY MRI Appeal, which raised £800,000 to help deliver a new radiology suite at Pinderfields Hospital. One standout part of the appeal was the Muslims for MRI initiative, which involved collaborating and building relationships with local mosques, Muslim community leaders, and hospital chaplains.

The new scanners will improve waiting times, speed up diagnoses and provide better care for over 100,000 people a year, including children who would otherwise have to travel out of area.

Another unforgettable moment was the unique Hands Across Wakefield event held in March which was designed to mark 125 years of healthcare at Pinderfields Hospital.

An incredible 2,000 people joined hands in a 1.5-mile human chain from the hospital to Wakefield Cathedral. This meaningful display of pride and gratitude for the NHS united schools, businesses, and families, whilst also helping to raise £13,000 and boost awareness of the charity and its impact in the community.

The charity has many exciting plans ahead, and your support can make a huge difference — whether it’s funding a new piece of equipment, improving comfort for patients, or supporting the wellbeing of NHS staff.

There are a variety of events you can attend this summer, including the Dragon Boat Race and Charity Quiz Night. To read more about these events and how you can support the charity, visit www.myhospitalscharity.org or call 01924 546017.