£10,000 donation supports children at Tunbridge Wells Hospital | News

A family have climbed Ben Nevis and raised £10,000 to support families on Hedgehog Ward after their niece, Bella was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

In August 2025, Bella was taken to A&E after repeated chest infections and was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at just 6 years old.

Since then, her treatment has been intensive and ongoing, including chemotherapy, lumbar punctures and blood transfusions. She is one year into a two-year treatment plan, followed by five years in remission.

Bella has received her local care on Hedgehog Ward at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, and her family have described it as “a big part of our lives” adding: “The care there is brilliant, but we’ve seen first-hand how much the environment itself matters for children going through treatment”.

Her family took on an incredible fundraising challenge for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust's dedicated charity, MTW Hospitals Charity climbing Ben Nevis to raise money to give back to the team who have cared for Bella and to buy toys and activities for the children who spend time on Hedgehog Ward.

Last week, Bella’s aunt, Megan Sharpe, who climbed Ben Nevis with her partner Charlie, donated £10,000 to Hedgehog Ward.

The generous donation will fund two Rockin' Robin game carts, distraction toys, and improvements to the parents’ room including updated furniture and a hydration station.

Head of Charity and Fundraising, Claire Ashby said “it was very special to meet Bella and her family, and to thank Megan for her amazing fundraising efforts. Every penny of their donation will support patients and families on Hedgehog Ward, and help make things better for Bella and other children in our care.”