We are delighted to share that the UK and Ireland’s first-ever McHappy Day has raised more than £3 million! This means more families across the UK and Ireland will be able to stay together and close to their child while they receive treatment in hospital.
Held on 26 September 2026, the day brought together customers, Franchisees, Crew members, suppliers and supporters from across the UK and Ireland, united by a shared commitment to helping families facing the unimaginable.
For families whose lives have been turned upside down by a serious illness or injury, being able to remain together can make a world of difference. Our Houses provide much more than accommodation. They offer practical support, a welcoming community and the reassurance of having somewhere to rest, recharge and find comfort during some of the most challenging times a family can face.
Supporting families across the UK
Located close to specialist children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald House UK’s 14 Houses help families remain near their children throughout treatment.
In 2025 alone, we supported 8,488 families, who stayed with us for an average of 16 nights. During that time, families were saved more than 10 million miles of travel to and from hospital, easing both the financial and emotional burden of being away from home.
The funds raised by McHappy Day will help provide approximately 43,000 nights of free accommodation for families with a seriously ill child in hospital, ensuring they have a comfortable place to stay just moments from their child’s bedside, at no cost to them.
A partnership built on keeping families close
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our founding and forever partner, McDonald’s, whose support has been integral to our mission since Ronald McDonald House UK was established in 1989.
For nearly four decades, McDonald’s, its Franchisees, customers and Crew have helped fund the development and operation of our Houses, enabling us to support more than 100,000 families across the UK.
We are also incredibly grateful to the many suppliers and corporate partners who supported McHappy Day through donations, fundraising initiatives and campaign activity. You can find out more about the organisations that supported the day here. Their generosity helped make the first McHappy Day a tremendous success and will have a lasting impact on families staying in our Houses.
Thank you
Fundraising achievements like this are only possible because of the collective efforts of so many people.
To everyone who donated, took part in fundraising activities, purchased a Grimace beanie, supported the campaign in restaurants, or helped spread the word, thank you.
Together, we are helping ensure that more families can stay close, connected and focused on what matters most.
If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can help keep families close, sign up to hear more from us.
