The Buttercup is a symbol of hope and recovery at the RNOH. In the 1930’s young children, undergoing treatment at the RNOH in Stanmore (North London) could be seen picking large yellow bunches of the flowers, benefitting from the sunshine and fresh air, brightening the wards they took them back onto. Every year the RNOH Charity runs a Buttercup Day themed fundraising campaign.
The History of the Buttercup at RNOH
1930s - Our original Buttercup Day took place in the 1930s, when local children picked buttercups from the local countryside and sold them in central London to raise funds for the hospital.
See original film here: https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/195261/
2003 - This fundraising tradition was revived in 2003, with the first annual Buttercup Walk.
2004 - 2019 - During this time thousands of patients and friends of RNOH (plus several celebrities!) took part in the Walk.
2020 - 2023 - The pandemic meant that the Buttercup Walk had to be paused, however we have continued to mark Buttercup Day, including it as part of our Impossible Possible campaign. All funds raised continue to go towards projects that enhance RNOH patients' experience.
2024 - Now - Introducing Buttercup Breaktime - A Coffee and Cake Moring for RNOH Charity! This June and July, you can get involved in the buttercup traditions for RNOH by hosting a Buttercup Breaktime from home, at work or in your community. Just register here, call or email us. It's easy, fun and rewarding!
