'Thank you Leeds': Hospice children to take over Leeds Station tannoy this weekend

This weekend, the Leeds railway station tannoy will feature special thank-you messages from children at Martin House Children’s Hospice across all platforms and concourses.

On Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23, seven-year-old Charlie, eight-year-old Ivy, 13-year-old Sadie, 14-year-old Leighton and 18-year-old Alina - all of whom either receive care from the hospice or have close family connections to it - will broadcast messages to travellers.

Over the two days, their messages will thank the people of Leeds for helping to fund The BUILD, Martin House’s new £21.9 million redevelopment project, which officially opens in June.

The project includes new facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, helping the hospice support families across Yorkshire when they need it most.

Among the children taking part, Sadie and Leighton are current service users at Martin House. Sadie was diagnosed with Cockayne syndrome - a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder - at the age of five and visits the hospice with her family for respite stays.

“Welcome to Leeds Station. I am Sadie, aged 13,” her thank-you message says. “Because of the people from Leeds, Martin House Children’s Hospice can care for more children like me. Thank you.”

“Sadie loves attending Martin House,” said her mum, Jennie. “She really likes the new building and particularly enjoys the garden and crafts area. Respite stays give us the chance to switch off as a family and spend quality time together.”

Leighton, whose mother Chrissie described him as “witty and a big Liverpool fan”, started going to Martin House aged just four after being diagnosed with the rare condition Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. His younger sister, Dollie, sadly died from the condition when she was six.

“Martin House has been the best place for all of us - they support our whole family,” said Chrissie. “Leighton begs us to stay longer every time we go. Without Martin House, we wouldn’t get the help and support that we need, and life would be even harder than it currently is.”

Another thank-you message will be read by Charlie. His little sister Evelyn died aged just seven months after suffering a brain injury around the time she was born. She and her family were supported by Martin House throughout her life and after her death. Since then, the family has raised more than £125,000 for the hospice.

Charlie’s message says: “Welcome to Leeds Station. I’m Charlie, aged seven. Martin House Children’s Hospice looked after my sister Evelyn. Because of you, they have a new hospice to look after more families like mine. Thank you.”

His mother, Caroline, said: “Martin House gave us precious time together as a family with Evelyn, and because of the people of Leeds and across Yorkshire, even more families will now get that same support in the new hospice.

“We wanted to say thank you for helping make that possible.”