This winter, Vicar Lane in Chesterfield will sparkle with something special – snowflakes that are more than just festive decorations. Here at West Special Fasteners we’re delighted to sponsor one of these snowflakes as part of the Snowflake appeal, a campaign that brings businesses and local people together to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We get to do something meaningful for families across our region and share a little Christmas magic!
What the Snowflake Appeal Achieves
The Snowflake Appeal began in 2004 with a simple idea: brighten the region with festive snowflakes while raising funds for children’s healthcare. What started small has grown into something remarkable, more than £2.9 million raised to provide lifesaving equipment, support pioneering research, and add those thoughtful touches that make hospital stays less overwhelming for children and their families.
Each snowflake you see isn’t just decoration, it’s part of a tradition that brings together businesses, community groups, and individuals every year to make a difference.
Sheffield Children’s Hospital plays a vital role for thousands of families across Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, and beyond. From routine appointments to complex, life-saving treatments, it’s there when children need it most. For parents, having world-class care close to home offers comfort during some of life’s hardest moments.
The Snowflake Appeal does more than fund equipment. It drives research that leads to breakthroughs in children’s medicine and creates spaces that feel less daunting for young patients. By supporting it, we’re investing in innovation, compassion, and a brighter future.
Bridging Derbyshire and South Yorkshire
Although we’re based in Derbyshire, South Yorkshire is just up the road, and many of us live or have connections there. Like so many local families, some of our colleagues have experienced the incredible care Sheffield Children’s Hospital provides. When you’ve seen firsthand the difference that care makes, supporting this appeal feels personal. Its our way of saying thank you and giving back to the people who’ve helped so many of us.
One of our colleagues, Sam, shared her experience:
“My daughter has been to Sheffield Children’s Hospital more times than I can count, and every visit has been met with such kindness and care. The staff don’t just treat the illness, they look after the whole child and the family too. They turn what could be a frightening experience into something reassuring and safe. She even looks forward to her trips now and she loves spotting the snowflakes around and pointing them out to me. It’s become a little tradition for us.”
Snowflakes will shine across 13 locations throughout the festive season, and seeing our snowflake on Vicar Lane sparkling is a reminder of community and what it can achieve when it comes together. This year, the Snowflake Appeal is focused on innovation and discovery, funding research that pushes children’s healthcare forward. From advanced diagnostic tools to treatments that improve outcomes for young patients, every donation helps Sheffield Children’s Hospital stay at the forefront of medical care.
Community First: Why We Give Back
If there’s one thing to know about West Special Fasteners, its that supporting local charities isn’t just about writing a cheque, it’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves. We live and work in this community, and we believe businesses have a responsibility to help it thrive. When we support local causes, we’re helping to strengthen the very foundations of the place we call home.
By supporting charities close to home we help make sure vital services can keep doing what they do best, supporting local families when they need it most. We also hope our involvement encourages other business to join in and create a ripple effect that inspires even more people to get involved. That’s how real change happens.
For us, sponsoring a snowflake isn’t just about adding festive sparkle to Chesterfield. It’s a way of saying, “We’re here, and we care.” It’s about standing alongside families who need support and helping Sheffield Children’s Hospital continue its incredible work.
Share the Sparkle.
We’d love to see your photos of the snowflakes twinkling across Chesterfield and beyond! If you’re out and about and spot one, take a picture and tag us. Let’s spread some Christmas cheer together and show how magical this season can be when communities unite for a great cause.
West Special Fasteners: Specialised Fastening Solutions
Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity
