Young hospital patients appointed Hope Aquarium Ambassadors for 27,000-litre live reef aquarium at our hospital

Six of our young patients aged between four to fifteen have been selected as volunteer ambassadors for our Hope Aquarium, a 27,000 litre live-reef aquarium being created inside our hospital’s new front entrance.  

Tony Sahota, aged four, from Halesowen; Roman Newell, aged six, from Burton on Trent; Brooke Davis, aged eight, from Stoke on Trent; Eesa Ahmed, aged 10, from Birmingham; Angel-Lei Hope Styles, aged 13, from Birmingham; and Archie Buskin, aged 15 from Walsall were chosen out of almost 100 patient applications to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  

These six patients beat some tough competition, showing a real passion for marine science and biology, as well as plenty of enthusiasm, creative ideas and a keen desire to help other sick kids at the hospital. 

The budding naturalists, scientists and engineers will now work alongside a world-renowned aquarium expert from ViDERE Aquariums, choosing fish and marine life for the tank, as well as making the aquarium as educational, fun and engaging as possible for patients and families.  

The Hope Aquarium, created by ViDERE Aquariums, will be the largest of its kind in the world and the ‘jewel in the crown’ in our front entrance transformation, supported by our £3m It Starts Here Appeal.  

Spending time in nature is crucial for a child’s development, but for many of the hospital’s long-term patients its city-centre location means they’re restricted in exploring the natural world. Bringing an aquarium to the hospital will have a calming effect, as well as reduce stress and provide distraction from what’s ahead.  

Akil Gordon-Beckford, Founder and Director of ViDERE Aquariums, said: “We were blown away by the number of patients who applied to become a Hope Aquarium Ambassador. It’s clear that patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital really love their hospital, and are so excited to see the Hope Aquarium become a reality. 

“We received so many brilliant applications, and selecting the final six was such a tough decision. The ones that really stood out to us showed a real passion for nature, a keen knowledge of marine life, and a deep understanding of how to take care of the fish. We are so excited to be bringing the Hope Aquarium to the Children’s Hospital, and we can’t wait to work with the ambassadors to make it a truly special place for patients.” 

We’re really excited to have our ‘marine dream team’ on board to help us create an underwater paradise for the thousands of patients we treat each year.  

Find out more about the It Starts Here Appeal, and donate.