Aroob Haroon, a Sheffield teenager who has raised more than £100,000 in the past year in memory of her younger brother, is set to travel to London next week for high-profile meetings with politicians, ambassadors, healthcare leaders, and national media. Aroob, who lives with a rare genetic condition herself, has become one of the UK's most inspiring young advocates for children with complex medical needs following the death of her brother, Ayaan Haroon, who also had a rare condition.
A Story of Loss and Resilience
Ayaan passed away after a devastating period for the family. An independent investigation later found that aspects of Ayaan's care, the family's experience, and the child death process did not meet the expected standards. The review identified significant shortcomings in family engagement, bereavement support, communication, and the child death process. For Aroob and her family, the experience was life-changing.
Rather than being overwhelmed by grief, Aroob chose to transform her heartbreak into action. Every campaign she leads, every pound she raises, and every platform she uses is driven by a commitment to honour her brother's memory and improve the lives of children and families facing similar challenges. Those close to her say her achievements are remarkable not just for the money raised or recognition received, but because she has carried unimaginable pain while dedicating herself to helping others.
London Visit: Meetings and Hospital Tours
During her three-day visit to London, Aroob will meet senior public figures and decision-makers, including Minister Torsten Bell, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, and the Pakistani and Palestinian Ambassadors. She will also visit Sky News Studios to meet presenters and learn about national broadcasting. As part of the visit, she will tour Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Royal London Hospital to raise awareness of challenges faced by children with rare and life-limiting conditions.
The visit follows a series of achievements that have earned her recognition across the UK. Just weeks ago, she met Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and members of the Scotland National Football Team, highlighting her growing impact as a young ambassador for children and families affected by serious illness.
The Moon and Stars Campaign
At the heart of Aroob's mission is the groundbreaking Moon and Stars Campaign, which she supported and led in memory of Ayaan. Since losing her brother, she has raised more than £100,000 in the last year alone for children's hospitals, healthcare initiatives, and charitable causes. Working alongside Sheffield Children's Hospital, she created and led the Moon and Stars Ramadan initiative, which raised £20,000 in 2025 and £45,000 in 2026, creating a lasting legacy while supporting children's healthcare services.
What began as a local fundraising campaign has evolved into a national movement. Aroob is working to take the Moon and Stars Campaign to children's hospitals across the UK and recently became an ambassador for the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, helping to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
Advocacy for Disabled Children
Beyond fundraising, Aroob is a passionate advocate for disabled children. She challenges inequalities and champions greater opportunities for young people with disabilities and complex medical conditions. She questions why disabled children are often excluded from experiences able-bodied children take for granted and believes they deserve the same opportunities to participate in sport, be recognised for their achievements, and feel celebrated within their communities. One of her ambitions is to see greater access to football, cricket, and rugby in SEND schools across the country, as she believes sport can transform confidence, improve wellbeing, and help children realise their potential regardless of disability.
Despite facing daily health challenges herself, Aroob has become a powerful voice for children with rare conditions and their families. In recognition of her exceptional contribution, she will receive a High Sheriff Award on 28 June 2026, honouring her efforts to transform personal grief into positive change.
Aroob's Mission and Vision
Speaking about her mission, Aroob said: 'Ayaan will always be my inspiration. Everything I do is to make sure his memory lives on by helping other children and families. The Moon and Stars Campaign is about bringing communities together, creating hope and making a difference for children who need support. But I also want disabled children to know they can dream big. We deserve the same opportunities to play sport, to be recognised, to be celebrated and to believe in ourselves. Disability should never stop a child from believing they can achieve something special.'
As her campaign expands nationally, Aroob hopes to encourage hospitals, charities, sporting organisations, businesses, community groups, and public leaders to work together in supporting children with serious illnesses and disabilities. Her upcoming London visit marks another significant milestone in a journey that has already touched thousands of lives, demonstrating how one young person can create meaningful change despite significant personal challenges. Those closest to her say her greatest achievement is not simply the money raised, but her ability to transform heartbreak into hope, ensuring Ayaan's legacy continues to inspire and support families across the country.
