February 5, 2025 
In Memory 
Rose O’Leary-Hall passed away in September 2023 aged just four, following a series of surgeries and treatments for the ultra-rare congenital condition Interrupted Aortic Arch, which affects only one in 50,000 babies.
Rose’s parents wanted to give something back to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and their idea of ‘Rose’s Library’ came to life.
Rose loved books and being read to, and her favourite stories made her many stays in hospital more bearable.
Going forward, Katie and Sue have teamed up with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) to provide Kindles and stories which children on the ward can read or be read to.
Physical books are not allowed to be read and re-used within the wards at the LCHU due to infection prevention, therefore, it was decided that Rose’s family would raise funds to provide a Kindle for each bedside.
Rose’s mum Sue said:
“A book is an escape, a chance to go into a different world for a short while, and it not only takes the child’s mind off being in hospital, it’s an escape for the parents as well, to spend a short time reading with their child.”
Sue and Katie began fundraising with friends and family, and local press also covered their story and donations towards books and specific stories started to flood in.
Throughout 2024 various fundraisers were held for Rose’s Library and significant donations were made, including; Leeds University holding their Staff Festival raising £900 and Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All charity donating £5,833.62. CHSF also agreed a grant towards the library.
CHSF Community Fundraiser Lauren Procter said:
“Rose’s parents and their network of funders have done an amazing job in bringing this wonderful project to fruition. Rose’s Library will make a huge difference to the wellbeing of patients and their families for years to come, and we are thrilled to see that Rose’s own story has inspired such a powerful and positive outcome.”
