Harry Maguire named as Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity patron

Harry Maguire, who visited the hospital in December to meet patients, said he was "honoured" to take on the role

England footballer Harry Maguire has been named as a patron of Sheffield's Children's Hospital Charity.

The Manchester United player said he was "honoured" to take on the role, paying tribute to the hospital's "brilliant" staff.

Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust is one of only three standalone children's trusts in the UK.

Once a patient himself, Maguire said: "Growing up, Sheffield Children's was always there for me and my siblings."

The Children's Hospital Charity, which supports Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, is currently fundraising for a number of projects including a new major trauma unit and a helipad.

Other patrons of the charity include Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont, presenter Dan Walker, and Sheffield-born footballers Esme Morgan and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

'Amazing cause'

Maguire said: "I'm honoured to be invited to be a patron of this amazing cause.

"Sheffield Children's is a cause that is close to my heart as well as my family's, so I'm proud to help them in any way I can."

During a visit to the hospital in December the defender handed out signed footballs, annuals and postcards to children and parents.

He said: "Being a dad myself and speaking to the parents of patients when I visited, I can't imagine how tough it must be.

"The charity does amazing things and I'm looking forward to getting involved and making a difference."

John Armstrong, CEO of the Children's Hospital Charity, said he was "ecstatic" to have Maguire as a patron."The charity helps Sheffield Children's to go above and beyond the NHS provision, and having Harry on board to support us is an amazing achievement."

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