The beginning: A legacy of care (1888–1988)
Opened in 1888, the first dedicated hospital for sick children was funded by a donation of £25,000 by Newcastle solicitor John Fleming in memory of his wife.
The Fleming Memorial Hospital for Sick Children at Moor Edge operated for 100 years until its work was transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in 1988.
Bringing services together (1988–2010)
Further relocations from other hospitals and The Fleming Hospital meant that the RVI site needed a dedicated hub for children’s services.
An agreement was reached to co-locate everything into a new-build on the RVI site. With a name chosen by a ballot of children and young people, The Great North Children’s Hospital opened its doors in 2010, expanding further with transfers of children’s services from The Freeman Hospital.
The fund is established (2016)
In 2016, The Great North Children’s Hospital Fund was set up by Dr Mike McLean and Newcastle Hospitals Charity to make the hospital experience the best it can possibly be for the many children and their families who come to the hospital for treatment and care.
The Fund supports life-changing research, cutting-edge equipment and technology, and projects that make the hospital more welcoming for children, including those in the areas of music, arts, and décor.
Growing impact & community support (2022–Present)
In 2022, income for the Fund totalled £944,000, with an average of £528,809 being raised annually. In 2024, the Arts Programme partnered with Seven Stories to deliver storytelling sessions at GNCH and The Freeman. In the same year, 175 runners took part in the Great North Run, raising £55,409. In 2025, GNCH turned 15, launching its Every Step campaign to showcase and raise funds for the incredible services within the hospital.
Fudge, Blaze and Hope – standing tall for GNCH
When the GNCH Fund was established, Newcastle Hospitals Charity and staff at the hospital talked to patients about choosing a suitable mascot to represent the hospital.
The children put forward their ideas and names and three animals were chosen to be the fundraising ‘faces’ of the charity to represent GNCH. The drawings turning into graphics then the graphics turned into three costumes for staff to wear and even a range of soft toys and other items.
Fudge the Giraffe, Blaze the Rhino and Hope the Elephant were finally launched as GNCH ambassadors. Fudge was the most popular so by popular demand, making more appearances than the other two, even abseiling down the hospital on one occasion!
Our mascots put a smile on people’s faces and help to lift the mood. If you see them, give them a hug and consider donating to a great cause.
