A Lasting Legacy: Supporting the Next Generation of Patients

Date: 24th July 2025

In early 2025, Ian reached out to the Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) to discuss a generous legacy left by his late father, Sid Wilkinson, in his Will.

Ian and his family were eager to ensure the gift would fund a meaningful and tangible project—one that would leave a lasting impact, particularly for children and young people receiving care at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

“Dad had three hip operations at ROH and received excellent treatment each time. One of his sisters was also a patient and, again, received wonderful care. He wanted the ROH to know how much he appreciated their kindness” – Ian

After thoughtful conversations with the Children and Young People’s Outpatient Department, the family chose to fund a bespoke sensory wall, which was installed in June. Created to foster a calm and supportive environment, the wall is already making a significant difference to young patients and their families during outpatient visits.

The clinical team shared the following insight into its impact:

“The panels provide our patients with a positive distraction and help siblings with self-regulation in a hospital setting. The tactile surfaces offer sensory stimulation and support a calm atmosphere—especially for patients with learning differences, who may find appointments overwhelming. Sensory environments are an important and reasonable adjustment for children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse needs.”

This project is a powerful example of how a legacy gift can create meaningful, lasting change—supporting patient wellbeing, enriching the care environment, and reflecting the compassion and values of those who choose to give.

Leaving a gift in your Will to ROC is a deeply personal and impactful way to support the hospital’s future—enabling continued investment in patient care, research, and specialist services for generations to come.

“From my point of view, it’s lovely to know that—even though we miss him terribly—he leaves behind a legacy that will be enjoyed by many children for years to come.” – Ian

A huge thank you goes out to Sid, Ian, and the entire family for their incredible generosity. This meaningful gift will make a lasting difference to young patients at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

If you’ve been inspired by Sid’s legacy and would like to learn how you can support the hospital, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with the ROC team by emailing roc@nhs.net or calling 0121 685 4379.

ROC | Royal Orthopaedic Charity

Bristol Road South
Northfield
Birmingham
B31 2AP

Registered Charity Number: 1078046

Call: 0121 6854379
Email: roc@nhs.net

Fundraising Resources

Charity Event Poster
Fundraising Leaflet
Gift Aid Declaration Form
Page Donation Form
Sponsorship Form
Legacy Leaflet
Corporate Leaflet