Hari’s Cart brings smiles to children at Pinderfields Hospital | Charity news

Children being cared for at Pinderfields Hospital are already enjoying brighter, more positive hospital days thanks to the recent launch of Hari’s Cart. 

Hari’s Cart is a new charity‑funded initiative created to support children’s wellbeing through play. The bright and friendly trolley has been inspired by Hari the Hippo, the MY Hospitals Charity’s much‑loved mascot. It is filled with books, toys and sensory activities, offering comfort and distraction to children who may be feeling anxious, bored, in pain or overwhelmed during their hospital stay.

Delivering these moments of joy is a team of trained and friendly volunteers known as Hari’s Helpers, who bring laughter and normality to young patients and their families.

By offering fun and engaging activities at the bedside, Hari’s Cart encourages positive interaction, supports emotional resilience, and helps children to feel more in control.

Keith Ramsay, Chair of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and MY Hospitals Charity, said:

“We are incredibly proud to see Hari’s Cart up and running on our children’s wards. Filled with books, toys and sensory activities, the Cart is already helping to create calmer, more positive experiences for children and their families at a time when they need it most. It’s a wonderful example of how charitable support can make a real difference to patient experience.”

Matt Timms, Head of Children’s Nursing and Radiology Nursing at the Trust, said:

“Hari’s Cart and Hari’s Helpers have been a really positive addition to our wards. It gives children something familiar and comforting to focus on, helps them feel more relaxed, and supports the caring, family‑centred approach we strive to provide every day.”

Thanks to the generosity of supporters and volunteers, Hari’s Cart is already helping to turn difficult hospital days into moments of comfort, laughter and happy memories for local children.

We are encouraging the local community to continue supporting Hari’s Cart so it can continuously be replenished and bring smiles to even more children. You can purchase an item for the cart directly from the Amazon Wishlist or donate to the Charity at www.myhospitalscharity.org/donate. 

To find out more about volunteering at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, visit www.midyorks.nhs.uk/volunteering.