News
Time Capsule Burial Captures Special Memories During Exciting Transformation Of Our Front Entrance
17 Apr, 2026
Two of our young patients, Ava, aged 8, and Foxx, aged 6, joined representatives from our hospital and charity to bury a time capsule that marks the exciting transformation of our Children’s Hospital’s front entrance.
These brave young patients joined our Associate Director of Nursing, Natalie Harford, and Miranda Williams, Director of Public Fundraising to bury this time capsule, capturing the incredible memories created throughout the years, to be unearthed in decades to come. The snapshot in time has been buried beneath the new entrance foundations, which are being laid by our contractors, BSN Group.
Unique items contained in the time capsule include an out-of-use heart monitor donated by our cardiology department and specialist insulin pump from our diabetes team, alongside contributions from generous donors to our ‘It Starts Here’ Appeal, and a photobook of memories of our previous entrance from patients, families and staff.
Other highlights include letters from our Trust CEO, Matt Boazman and charity CEO, Mark Brider, reflecting on the history of our hospital, and of course, not forgetting our iconic charity mascot, Bertie Bear.
Our entrance is being transformed into a bright, open and welcoming space, which our young patients are excited to walk through, instead of being afraid, and provides somewhere for families to escape to, away from the wards. This includes the likes of Ava and Foxx, who have both spent a number of weeks in hospital.
Ava, from Cannock, was treated for a suspected brain tumour, which thankfully, turned out to be an abscess. She has received surgery for to drain and remove it and is now recovering well.
Foxx, from Walsall, is a cancer patient who has had part of her bowel removed. She is currently being monitored after having a central vein fitted, which allows her to receive essential nutrients, which would have normally been absorbed via her bowel.
We were thrilled to have them join us at the burial, especially as it marks a key milestone in the exciting transformation of our front entrance. With the previous entrance now demolished, and our Pharmacy, Medicine Chest, moved into our new building on Loveday Street, the construction team are now busy laying the foundations for the redeveloped entrance, as well as fitting out our brand-new charity hub.
Once those are complete, glulam beams will be installed, followed by glass glazing, bringing our new front entrance to life over the summer. The construction team can then start on the really exciting internal fit out work, putting in those magic touches that will create a truly special environment for our patients and their families.
This transformation has all been made possible thanks to the incredible support received so far from the public, businesses and philanthropic individuals and organisations, and we have just £400,000 left to raise to make this transformation a reality. To find out more, visit our It Starts Here Appeal.
