No child should experience trauma from their healthcare!

Healthcare is a scary world and feeling scared can make children less resilient and receptive to treatment. We can transform children's health through better health care experiences. Starlight's mission is to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.

Starlight is the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices. Evidence shows that play has the power to reduce fear, pain and trauma during treatment and recovery from illness - boosting mental and physical health and resilience.

We make play possible – providing resources that frontline healthcare professionals use to support children.

We make play better – supporting healthcare professionals with training and education.

We make play matter – influencing and campaigning for change to embed play in health services across the country.

"Play relaxes children, takes their mind off why they're in hospital and eases how the family is feeling. Every day, I see how play helps reduce children's worries, anxiety and trauma."

Hamera Elahi, Health Play Specialist, Newham Hospital

How Your Support Helps

Your support means we can provide more Health Play Specialists with the tools and skills needed, whilst also campainging for Health Play to be a routine part of hospital care nationwide, so no child experiences avoidable trauma.

Join #TeamStarlight and become a part of the driving force putting play at the heart of every child's health care experience!

Free technical running top - when you raise your first £100.

Get training tips, fundraising advice and a dedicated champion to answer any questions and support you on your fundraising and training journey.

Featured Events

Check out these featured events from this charity

GetPRO Bath Half

Mar 14, 2027 - Mar 14, 2027

Royal Ave, Bath BA1 2NR, UK

Registration Price:£30

Fundraising Amount:£350

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Apr 4, 2027 - Apr 4, 2027

London, UK

Registration Price:£30

Fundraising Amount:£350

The Brighton Marathon

Apr 4, 2027 - Apr 4, 2027

Preston Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 6SD, UK

Registration Price:£35

Fundraising Amount:£400

Wizz Air Milano Marathon

Apr 4, 2027 - Apr 4, 2027

Piazza Del Duomo, Milan

Registration Price:£50

Fundraising Amount:£500

Edinburgh Marathon - Edinburgh Running Festival

Edinburgh Half Marathon - Edinburgh Marathon Festival

May 30, 2027 - May 30, 2027

Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL, UK

Registration Price:£30

Fundraising Amount:£350

Edinburgh Marathon - Edinburgh Marathon Festival

May 30, 2027 - May 30, 2027

Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BL, UK

Registration Price:£40

Fundraising Amount:£500

Robin Hood Half Marathon

Sep 27, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026

Nottingham, UK

Registration Price:£20

Fundraising Amount:£250

Manchester Marathon

Apr 18, 2027 - Apr 18, 2027

Talbot Rd, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX, UK

Registration Price:£40

Fundraising Amount:£400

All Events

What's coming up in the run for charity events calendar? It’s never too late to join one of these great events.