Leek Hockey Club, Raise £10,000 for local charity

Leek Hockey Club Raises £10,000 for a Safe Space Bed at Royal Stoke Hospital 

Leek Hockey Club, based in Leek, North Staffordshire, has successfully raised an impressive £10,000 for a new Safe Space Hospital Bed at Royal Stoke University Hospital, thanks to a series of dedicated fundraising events. The campaign, which began in September 2024 and culminated at the club’s Beer Festival in April 2025, is a true testament to the community’s spirit and commitment to improving the lives of children facing serious medical challenges. 

The initiative was sparked by the personal experience of some members of the club whose daughter, seven-yearold Alice, has been battling the effects of CDKL5, a rare chromosome deletion disorder. Alice, who also suffers from severe epilepsy and developmental delays, became the inspiration behind the fundraising drive. The aim was to provide more specialised beds for children with complex medical needs at the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM). 

Alice’s mother Emma, shared the emotional journey: “When Alice was just a week old, we noticed unusual movements, which turned out to be epileptic seizures. After numerous hospital visits, she was diagnosed with CDKL5 at the age of two. She cannot walk, talk, or communicate, and managing her seizures has been incredibly challenging, especially this year, when we’ve had multiple hospital admissions.” 

As Alice’s family navigated her medical journey, they realised the critical need for specialised Safe Space beds, which are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for children during treatment. These beds are currently in short supply, with only two available in all of North Staffordshire.

“There are currently only two Safe Space beds in the entire region, and they’re not always accessible when needed,” Emma explained. “We wanted to raise awareness and funds to provide more of these beds, not just for Alice, but for other children who require this level of care.” 

The fundraising journey began with the LHC ‘Boots’ Fun Run in September 2024 and continued with various community and club events. The final fundraising push took place during the club’s Beer Festival in April 2025, bringing the total to £10,000. The funds will go directly to purchasing an additional Safe Space bed at Royal Stoke University Hospital, ensuring that more children have access to the specialised care they need.

Hazel Mycock, the lead organiser of the fundraising campaign, expressed her appreciation for the tremendous support: “It’s been an incredible effort and we’ve managaged to do it in just six months. The community has really come together to support this cause. I’m so proud of everyone who contributed, from those who participated in the events to those who made donations. It’s been a true team effort.” 

Club chairman Andy Spragg praised the efforts of Hazel and all those involved in the campaign, stating, “The efforts put in by Hazel and many other club members to make this happen is a great reflection of the club and its ethos! This is exactly the kind of initiative that showcases the strength of our community and the values we stand for.” 

The £10,000 raised by Leek Hockey Club will be used to purchase additional Safe Space beds, significantly improving the hospital experience for young patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alicesbed-1725014466210

### - About CDKL5

CDKL5 is a rare genetic disorder that affects brain function, leading to severe developmental delays, epilepsy, and motor impairment. It is a condition that typically presents in infancy and requires ongoing specialized care, making it essential for hospitals to have the appropriate equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of affected children.