Cheshire Foundation sponsors 1,000 ‘Leo the Lion’ children’s books for Macclesfield Hospital

A generous sponsorship from The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation is set to ease anxiety for young patients at Macclesfield Hospital, following the funding of 1,000 copies of Leo the Lion, an interactive children’s storybook, designed to reassure children in the Emergency Department.

The book follows Leo, a young lion who feels frightened about visiting hospital, helping children understand that it is natural to feel scared. The A5 booklet also includes colouring activities and word puzzles to provide a distraction and keep young patients engaged. Written by Donna Rees, an Emergency Department Sister and Training Facilitator for the Trust, the story was inspired by seeing children become restless and anxious while waiting for treatment, particularly during busy winter periods.

Thanks to the Foundation’s generous sponsorship, 1,000 copies will be available to children attending the hospital’s Children’s Emergency Department, helping bring comfort and reassurance to young patients and their families.

Mandy Ogden, from The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation, said:

“The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation were honoured to be asked to sponsor the printing of ‘Leo the Lion’ for the Paediatric A&E Department at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

“We know first-hand just how stressful and overwhelming being in a hospital environment can be for children and we hope that this wonderful story will help bring a little comfort, reassurance and happiness to those who read, or hear it.

“As Gee’s Foundation was set up in memory of our beautiful daughter to support children and young adults in need in and around our local community, we felt this was a perfect opportunity to once again support our local hospital and the incredible work they do.

“We are so proud to be able to play a small part in making a difficult experience a little easier for children and their families.

“We hope Leo the Lion brings comfort and smiles to every child who hears or reads the wonderful story.”

The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation was established by Georgia’s parents, Mandy and Mark, and her brother, Josh, following her tragic passing in 2020. The foundation shares a close bond with the hospital, where Mandy has worked for 17 years, most recently as the Endoscopy Treatment Unit Administrator in Gastroenterology. Its previous support for Macclesfield Hospital has included donations towards activities, toys, and equipment for young patients, as well as a comforting mural in the Maternity Ward. With this latest contribution of books, the foundation’s total support for the hospital now exceeds £20,000.

Donna Rees, who has worked for the Trust for over 25 years, said:

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation for sponsoring our Leo the Lion books for the Children’s Emergency Department.

“A visit to the emergency department can be frightening for a child. Leo’s story is there to help them feel a little more at ease, and thanks to the Foundation’s generosity, any child who would like a copy can take one home.

“We are so grateful for your support in helping us bring a little comfort and a smile to the children and families who visit us.”

Pictured - Mark Ogden, Donna Rees and Mandy Ogden.