Our History
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity was founded in 1991, by Dame Felicity Dahl.
Her Majesty The Queen has been Royal Patron of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity since 2017.
Her Majesty The Queen has been Royal Patron of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity since 2017.
The charity has been innovating in specialist children’s nursing since 1991. The very first Roald Dahl Nurse Specialist, who was also the UK’s first-ever paediatric epilepsy specialist nurse, started in post in 1992. There are now over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses providing specialist care for thousands of families across the UK.
Dame Felicity Dahl and Sir Quentin Blake are co-presidents of the charity.
Marvin is our marvellous mascot with a heart as big as his grin. For over 30 years, Marvin has been by our side, cheering on fundraisers, bringing smiles to children, and adding a splash of fun wherever he goes.
Marvin is a symbol of courage, kindness, and fun. For children facing the hardest times, Marvin brings joy, reassurance, and a sprinkle of magic.
You might see Marvin cheering on a marvellous run or waving from a hospital doorway. Wherever he appears, he’s there to support, to encourage, and to say a big thank you.
Please see some of the charity's key milestones below.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity creates the first ever Paediatric Nurse Specialist post in the UK.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity establishes the first ever Roald Dahl Nurse Specialist post in Scotland.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity establishes the first Roald Dahl Nurse Specialist in Wales.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity establishes the first Roald Dahl Sickle Cell Nurse Specialist.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity appoints the 50th Roald Dahl Nurse Specialist.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity launches the Marvellous Nurse Inventing Rooms in partnership with the Burdett Trust for Nursing to promote nurse-led innovation.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity establishes the first Roald Dahl Rare Disease Nurse Specialists.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity appoints the first Roald Dahl Neuro disability Nurse Specialist in Northern Ireland.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity appoints the 70th Roald Dahl Nurse Specialist.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity celebrates 30 years of specialist nursing.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity establishes the first Roald Dahl Children with Medical Complexity Nurse Specialist.
Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity celebrates over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses.
Over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses care for over 40,000 seriously ill children across the UK.