A Chesterfield boy with dreams of being an Olympic swimmer to take on sponsored swimming challenge for Sheffield Children's Hospital

To say thank you for the ongoing care he receives at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a nine-year-old Chesterfield boy has set himself a sponsored swimming challenge.
Hayden Hudson has already raised more  than £2,000 for charityHayden Hudson has already raised more  than £2,000 for charity
Hayden Hudson has already raised more than £2,000 for charity

Hayden Hudson dreams of one day competing at the Olympics and has already raised more than £2,000 for charitable causes with his sporting passion.

And in February, his sponsored swimming challenge will see him go the extra mile to support the appeal for a transformed cancer and leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, after being inspired by the outpatient care he receives.

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Hayden first went to Sheffield Children’s in 2017 and now visits every six months to attend routine outpatient appointments.

Hayden’s mum, Tracey, said: “The care we both received at Sheffield Children’s was lovely.

“The staff were very caring, and they made time to sit and listen while I voiced my concerns. I am really grateful.

“Hayden has been a keen swimmer since he was three years old.

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“I took him from a young age and he has lessons, swimming six days a week. He really enjoys it.”

In December, Hayden entered a gala, which earned him a gold medal in backstroke and bronze in front crawl.

His impressive times have qualified him to swim in county competitions and his dream is to one day compete in the Olympics.

Since Hayden first decided to use his passion to raise money, he has raised more than £2,000 for charitable causes and he has now turned his attentions to The Children’s Hospital Charity’s appeal to transform the cancer and leukaemia ward.

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The ward provides treatment for cancer and blood disorders in children from babies through to 19-year-olds in South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire but sees patients from across the UK for treatment and surgeries including bone marrow transplants.

The redevelopment will see the ward transformed into a brighter and refreshed space for both patients and their families staying there.

Under the plans, more private patient bedrooms with en-suite facilities would be created, giving more children a place to make their own as well as increase the space for a parent to sleep more comfortably alongside them.