Alder Hey Becomes First Hospital to Mark Schoolgirl’s Legacy

A Liverpool children’s hospital has become the first in the UK to adopt a set of family-focused care standards inspired by the life of a young cancer patient.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has introduced daily play specialist support and free meals for parents who stay with their children during treatment, in line with the aims of the Sophie's Legacy charity. The charity was established after the death of Sophie, who died from a rare childhood cancer in 2021.

Sophie, from Hampshire, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of nine and underwent months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy before her death a year later. Her experience prompted her family to campaign for better support for children in hospital and the parents who remain by their side.

Charlotte, Sophie’s mother and chief executive of the charity, welcomed the changes and said she hoped other hospitals would now follow Alder Hey’s example. She thanked hospital staff for helping turn the charity’s aims into reality.

As part of the initiative, Alder Hey has also improved the quality of food available to young patients. Hospital leaders said the changes reflect a commitment to compassion, dignity and family-centred care.

Alder Hey is one of Europe’s largest children’s hospitals and treats more than 450,000 young patients each year.