Partnerships

Starlight and WHSmith launch partnership with 'Little Doctor' set

A new partnership between Starlight and WHSmith will help more children and families access the benefits of play during hospital visits and stays. 

Customers visiting selected WH Smith hospital stores across the UK can purchase a new children’s doctor play set, Little Doctor, with £1 from every sale being donated to Starlight to support its work with children in healthcare settings.  

WH Smith which operates over 150 stores in over 100 hospitals in the UK, providing a range of products for staff, patients and visitors, is also donating several play sets to Starlight for use on hospital wards. 

The set is available at 75 stores across the UK and supports Starlight's mission to make hospital treatments kinder for children by giving children the tools to immediately reduce the fear of the unknown by exploring the world of medicine in a child-centred way.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Starlight to support the incredible work they do for children and families in hospitals. We understand how play can make a real difference to a child’s wellbeing during difficult or unfamiliar experiences, and we’re pleased this initiative will help bring comfort to those visiting our hospital stores.” - Nikki Woodhead, Head of Sustainability at WHSmith

Nicola Wilson, Head of Corporate Fundraising at Starlight said: “We’re delighted to be partnering on this exciting new initiative. Through this partnership, WHSmith hospital stores will be helping families access playful experiences while directly supporting Starlight’s work in hospitals and healthcare settings across the UK. 

“Play has the power to reduce fear and anxiety for children in healthcare, and partnerships like this help us reach more families when they need support most.” 

August 2026