A new children’s hospital menu in support of Sophie’s Legacy has been launched at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
CDDFT is proud to launch a new children’s hospital menu in support of Sophie's Legacy, helping to ensure young patients have access to comforting, nutritious food during their time in hospital.
Sophie’s Legacy was established in memory of Sophie Fairall, who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, shortly after her ninth birthday.
Despite intensive treatment, Sophie sadly passed away aged 10, just one year after her diagnosis. In her memory, her family are committed to continuing the change she hoped to see – particularly improving the quality of hospital food for children, something Sophie felt strongly about during her time in care.
The new Munch’s Menu has been carefully reviewed and agreed with the Trust’s dietitians and the Children’s Ward Manager to ensure it meets the dietary and nutritional needs of children while offering choice and familiarity. The menu was introduced on Thursday 2 April 2026.
The menu has been created in honour of Sophie, whose legacy continues to inspire improvements in the experiences of children and families in hospital. Her story has prompted change across the NHS, encouraging hospitals to think more carefully about how food and nutrition support recovery and wellbeing.
Stuart Wray Head of Facilities (Catering, Retail and Food Safety) said: “We are incredibly proud to support Sophie’s Legacy with the introduction of this new children’s menu. Food plays an important role in a child’s wellbeing and recovery while in hospital, so it’s vital that we offer meals that are both nutritious and appealing.
“Our catering and dietetic teams have worked closely together to develop a menu that gives young patients greater choice, flexibility and comfort. Launching this menu is a meaningful way to honour Sophie’s legacy and ensure her impact continues to make a difference for children and families in our care.”
The menu includes a wide range of child-friendly options that can be offered alongside the Trust’s main hospital menus, with many items available throughout the day to provide flexibility for young patients.
Options include comforting meals such as macaroni cheese, cottage pie, mild chicken curry and lasagne, alongside lighter choices, snacks, desserts, and breakfast items. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements are also catered for.
By offering familiar foods and flexible choices, the menu aims to support both nutrition and emotional comfort for children during what can be a difficult time.
This initiative reflects the values that were so important to Sophie and her family — ensuring that children in hospital receive thoughtful care and access to food that feels reassuring and nourishing.
The Trust hopes the launch will both celebrate Sophie’s legacy and reinforce its commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care for young patients.