Advertise on podcast: Alder Hey Official

In this heartfelt episode of Inspired Voices, we are joined by Emma Weaver, whose family has been supporting Alder Hey since 2014 in memory of her daughter, Georgie. After Georgie was born with a rare condition, tracheal agenesis, she was transferred to Alder Hey for care. Although she sadly passed away at just five days old, the incredible support from the hospital staff inspired Emma and her family to give back. Emma shares how her eldest daughter, Jess, made a promise to ensure Georgie’s name would be remembered and started fundraising at just six years old. From bike rides to the famous ‘mile of pennies’ campaign, Jess, and now her younger sister Iris, have continued to make a huge impact. Their efforts have raised nearly £38,000, supporting Alder Hey’s bereavement centre and other vital services. This episode captures the power of family, resilience, and the importance of turning grief into a force for good. Emma reflects on their journey, the recognition Jess has received, including the British Citizen Youth Award, and the quirky fundraising ideas that continue to inspire the community. Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain references to which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

Sarah and Jane Coventry join the Inspired Voices podcast to share their deeply personal journey with Alder Hey, inspired by Emily, Sarah’s sister and Jane’s daughter, who was treated at the hospital for eight years after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Following Emily’s passing in 2018, the family has continued to honour her memory through fundraising and charitable initiatives. Sarah and Jane discuss their experiences with Alder Hey, the incredible support they received, and how their bond with the hospital remains strong to this day. The episode delves into their fundraising efforts, from participating in the Coniston Challenge – where they’ve become well-known for their competitive spirit in the canoeing section – to the remarkable achievements of Charlie, Sarah’s son, who has taken on charity bike rides, cut his hair for donation, and become an Alder Hey ambassador. Their story is one of resilience, humour, and dedication. From Emily’s love for the Grand National visits and festive hospital stays to the family’s ongoing commitment to fundraising, this episode is a touching tribute to Emily’s legacy and the power of community. Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain references to medical procedures which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

George Blackshaw joins the Inspired Voices podcast to share his incredible journey from being treated at Alder Hey as a toddler to becoming a champion fundraiser and talented golfer. After a life-changing accident at just 15 months old, George spent weeks receiving care at Alder Hey. Since then, he has raised an astonishing £17,500 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity through his passion for golf, hosting charity events that have brought people together in support of the hospital that helped him. Now a key figure in adaptive sports, George is on a mission to inspire others. From competing in the European Disabled Golf Tour to his dream of seeing golf in the Paralympics, he shares his drive, determination, and the power of sport to change lives. In this uplifting conversation with Cath and Adam, George talks about overcoming challenges, the support of his family, and his ambitious goal to raise £100,000 for Alder Hey. Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain references to medical procedures which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

Karen Ennis joins the Inspired Voices podcast to share her extraordinary journey as an open-water swimmer and fundraiser for Alder Hey. After facing personal tragedy, Karen turned to swimming as a way to rebuild her life—what started as a mile in Lake Windermere has since become a global challenge, raising over £40,000 for Alder Hey. Now, with five of the world’s toughest open-water swims completed, Karen is on the brink of making history as the first British woman to complete the Ocean Seven challenge. From battling freezing waters and jellyfish stings to swimming alongside dolphins and pushing through mental and physical barriers, Karen’s story is a true testament to resilience, determination, and the power of fundraising. In this inspiring conversation with Cath and Adam, she talks about her journey, her motivation, and what it takes to conquer some of the most challenging swims in the world—all in support of Alder Hey. Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain stories which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

Chris Myler joins the Inspired Voices podcast to speak about his many years of fundraising for Alder Hey, what encourages him as a fundraiser, and why others should get involved in fundraising. After being inspired to support Alder Hey following the incredible care received by a friend's son, Chris signed up for our Kilimanjaro challenge in 2018, and has been a staunch supporter of the charity ever since. From marathons to mountains, Chris’ determination and passion for Alder Hey has carried him along every step of the way. In this open and inspiring conversation with Cath and Adam, Chris portrays the true spirit of fundraising and shows the difference that people can make when they get behind a cause. Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain reference to medical procedures which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

This  episode of Inspired Voices features Jo and Shaun Keeling, who have been Alder Hey fundraisers for over seven years in memory of their daughter Poppy, who was cared for at Alder Hey. Poppy sadly passed away at four days old, after being born with a rare condition called Cloacal malformation which affects 1 in 50,000 newborns. Jo and Shaun knew they had to do something to give back to Alder Hey for giving them time with their daughter. In memory of Poppy, they set up the ‘Poppy Rocket Challenge’, where they  take part in regular fundraising events and challenges to raise vital funds for Alder Hey, including their annual Moel Famau climb. Over the past 7 years they have raised over £20,000 to date, thanks to their commitment to making a difference for other families in their position. Jo and Shaun’s passion and commitment to honouring Poppy’s memory shines through in this honest and heartfelt chat. Listen now.   *Episodes of Inspired Voices may contains references to medical procedures and could be upsetting to some listeners* Support the show

In this  episode of Inspired Voices, Cath and Adam sit down with Derek Russell, as he recalls his fundraising journey which has taken him all over the world to raise vital funds for Alder Hey in memory of his granddaughter Lillian. Lillian was born in 2004 with a congenital heart condition called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome which occurs when the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. The condition affects blood flow through the heart and requires an operation soon after birth. Sadly, Lillian passed away at just 6 days old, and Derek decided to fundraise in her memory to make a difference for other parents, grandparents and families in his position. In the past 10 years, Derek has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, with his fundraising taking him on countless challenges around the world, including the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro. With every challenge Derek continues to bring his infectious personality and positive outlook on everything, inspiring numerous fundraisers through the years. Derek tells us his story in this open and honest discussion with Cath and Adam.   *Episodes of Inspired Voices may contain references to medical procedures and real life stories, which some listeners may find upsetting. Support the show

In this week’s episode of Inspired Voices, Cath and Adam welcome John and Donna Connett to the studio where they discuss their family’s inspiring story and the incredible fundraising efforts they have achieved over the past decade. John and Donna’s son Lewis was born with Apert syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which affects around 1 in every 65,000 newborns. The condition fuses bones together and is characterised by malformations of the skull, face, hands and feet. After noticing issues after Lewis’ birth, he was referred to Alder Hey, with the family travelling from their home in Yorkshire. Over the past 11 years, Lewis has bravely faced 20 operations and numerous appointments and procedures, becoming a much-loved member of the Alder Hey family. He, along with his family has appeared in Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s annual Matalan pyjama campaign, and Lewis was even chosen to present Queen Elizabeth II with a bouquet of flowers when she officially opened Alder Hey in 2016. Over the past ten years, John, Donna, Lewis, and Lewis' elder brother Hayden have formed ‘Team Lewis Challenges’, and alongside their wider family and friends have taken on numerous challenges and fundraising events, raising an astonishing sum that currently stands at over £67,000. In this podcast, John and Donna speak openly about what inspires them to fundraise for Alder Hey and why others should get involved in fundraising. Listen now! *Episodes of Inspired Voices may feature references to medical procedures Support the show

In this episode of the Inspired Voices podcast, Cath and Adam speak to The Batt family, as Karen and Phil share their incredible journey through daughter Betty’s early and challenging life. Born over four months premature and weighing just 650 grams, Betty faced numerous life-threatening obstacles, including multiple surgeries, infections, and the need for a tracheostomy. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Betty's resilience and the unwavering support of her family and the dedicated medical team at Alder Hey have been nothing short of extraordinary. After 13 months in hospital, Betty finally went home to her siblings, Stanley and Martha. Phil and Karen discuss the emotional and practical aspects of their journey, including the importance of family-integrated care in neonatal units, and their support of Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s Surgical Neonatal Appeal which helped to fund Family Integrated Care Rooms in Alder Hey’s upcoming Surgical Neonatal Unit, ensuring other families can stay together in a private and supportive environment. Having taken part in Alder Hey’s annual Matalan campaign and also featured as the honorary 41st runner at the Grand National over the years, Karen and Phil also highlight Betty’s remarkable spirit and the joy she brings to those around her. Through this podcast, they offer a deeply moving and hopeful perspective on the power of family, medical care, and community support in the face of adversity. Episodes on Inspired Voices may contain brief details of medical procedures. Support the show

At just 15 years old, Archie Veal’s life took an unexpected turn. An active teenager from the Isle of Man, he initially dismissed his worsening back pain as a minor injury. However, within days, his condition deteriorated rapidly. By the time he arrived at A&E, doctors were struggling to identify the cause of his pain. A crucial MRI scan revealed that Archie was suffering from Staphylococcus aureus Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-positive septicemia, a severe and life-threatening infection. His organs were shutting down, his lungs had collapsed, and his kidneys had failed. His condition was so critical that the Isle of Man’s medical facilities could not provide the intensive treatment he needed. Placed in a medically induced coma upon arrival at Alder Hey, Archie spent 37 days in intensive care, relying on ventilators and dialysis to keep him alive. When Archie awoke, weeks after being sedated, he was unable to speak due to a tracheostomy. He had lost a significant amount of weight and was completely reliant on his medical team and family for care.   With unwavering determination, he gradually regained strength. Physiotherapists worked tirelessly to restore his mobility, with Archie eventually learning to walk again. After nearly five months in hospital, he was finally discharged just in time for his 16th birthday. To mark the 10-year anniversary of his treatment, Archie set out to raise £10,000 for Alder Hey through a series of fundraising challenges called “10 in 10.” His efforts have already surpassed expectations, raising over £15,000 through endurance events, including canoeing 68km, cycling 124 miles, and competing in national wheelchair sports championships. Now 26, Archie sits down with Cath and Adam as our next inspiring voice as he recounts his Alder Hey story and encourages people to get involved with fundraising and to make a difference.  Episodes on Inspired Voices may contain brief details of medical procedures. Support the show

Carly is mum of Henri - a patient Alder Hey Children's Hospital in December 2022. Henri had complained of a headache, which  Carly initially put down to festive excitement. However, after doctors at Henri’s local hospital diagnosed him with a viral infection, Carly demanded further tests be done, where Henri was found to have an infection on his brain, caused by Strep A. Henri was then rushed to Alder Hey, where he underwent neurosurgery to remove the infection. During his time at Alder Hey, Henri bravely endured two Craniotomy procedures and one aspiration surgery, before spending time recovering on Ward 4A. After 4 weeks, Henri was allowed to be discharged, albeit after missing out on Christmas and New Year celebrations at home. Since then, he and his family have been committed to raising crucial funds for Alder Hey, as a thank you for everything they have done for Henri. Carly came in to talk with Cath and Adam at the charity in the first of a series of podcasts with our amazing Inspiring Voices. Episodes on Inspired Voices may contain brief details of medical procedures. Support the show

Matt and Pip talk to us about being artists on the wards at Alder Hey. Matt is an actor and Pip is a musician,  (short version) Support the show

Tracey Wilson, Head of Philanthropy at Alder Hey Children’s Charity speaks to Phil Munns on BBC Radio Merseyside about how the Surgical Neonatal Appeal hit it's £3m target  and the lasting impact it will have on families from the North West and beyond. Broadcast 12/12/23 full programme available on BBC Sounds. Support the show

Thanks to funding from the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, we have been able to run regular participatory music workshops on our Oncology Unit. Led by professional cellist Georgina Aasgaard, we have seen our children and young people take part in music making, song writing, learning to play a wide range of instruments such as keyboard and ukulele and performing alongside Georgina. Music has also been used to help them de-stress and relax. As a result, we have seen significant improvements to children and young people’s anxiety levels, confidence and resilience, which have helped the whole family when spending long periods of time in hospital. Podcast recorded and produced by Twin Vision Support the show

Alder Hey Children's Charity funds musicians (Cascade Music) to work with staff in the Emergency Department at Alder Hey Children's Hospital to the benefit of patients, parents,  clinicians and the health service. In this short podcast you can hear from Paediatric Consultant Dr Shroul Messahel about the impact of live music in an acute setting, from Rachel Fillhart one half of Cascade Music and from Vicky Charnock the Arts for Health Manager at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Support the show