Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

Childhood. It’s what makes us. We’re all about protecting childhoods from the impact of serious illness, which is why we’re showing up a little differently. We've made some changes to how we look and sound but we’re still the same charity that will stop at nothing to help give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible. Until no childhood is lost to serious illness.

“The Play team gave me those moments that you can just have a little bit of time to yourself when you know that your child is playing, being creative and having fun. They’re like your guardian angels while you’re in the hospital.” Danielle, Jake’s mum. This year we’re celebrating 50 years of the Play team at Great Ormond Street Hospital! Funded by GOSH Charity, Play specialists and workers help children like Jake feel more relaxed and informed about their treatment. Jake was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour at just four years old. During his time at GOSH, the Play team became an essential part of his stay. “Alanna is the Play specialist who worked with Jake, she was great – she’s not only good with the children, she’s good with the parents. “She was very good at getting Jake used to things like having a Hickman line in, she gave him a lion toy which we still have, which helped break down a scary procedure. “Whenever we visit the hospital, we always go up and see Alanna, because she’s made such a lasting impact on Jake and myself. Going through treatment is awful and the Play team just bring some light to it.” Join us in celebrating the amazing work of the Play team and share your memories with us 💙

We’re celebrating 50 years of the Play team at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 🎉 Last week, we hosted a special thank you to the team that brings joy and comfort to patients and their families. Through the power of play, the GOSH Play team helps to ease stress and anxiety for children in hospital, helping them to feel more relaxed and informed about their treatment. With 52 Play Specialists and Play Workers, the team supports over 25,000 patients and their families each year. We’re proud to fund the Play team at GOSH as they are a vital part of what makes the hospital so special. Please join us in thanking them for everything they do.

“When you have a disability, you’re unique and that's what makes you amazing.” Betsy, GOSH patient. 💙 July marks Disability Pride Month, and Betsy is here to share why it's important for us to celebrate.

Watch the moment GOSH patients Ezra and Oliver saw their faces on screen for the first time. This week, Ezra and Oliver, are appearing on the iconic Piccadilly Lights to help share our belief that no childhood should be lost to serious illness. Having never met before, the duo quickly became friends, and their families had the chance to chat about their experiences at GOSH. We loved seeing their reactions and are so grateful to all the families who’ve featured in our new campaign.

“It’s so incredible to see what Riley has achieved. There was so much uncertainty about whether he was even going to get through it. To see him now, it’s almost like a dream.” Karen, Riley’s proud mum. 💙 Riley was born with a rare genetic condition that leaves children without a working immune system. At just six weeks old, he received a cord blood transplant here at GOSH. Despite some initial complications, Riley pulled through and the transplant was a success. Now 16, Riley has been selected as part of the England squad for men’s artistic gymnastics in his age category and dreams of becoming an Olympian. Earlier this year, he placed seventh in the British Championships and even found himself in the same competition as sporting hero Max Whitlock. “My big goal now is to get to the Olympics, I’m going to aim for the stars. My message to other children with a similar dream is just pursue it, you only get one shot at life so make it your best.” Riley. Photo credit: Andrew Gourley/Blueski Photography.

It was a special day at GOSH as our friend Emma Raducanu swapped Centre Court for the hospital gym 🎾💙 Emma surprised patients and staff by playing some balloon tennis and serving lots of smiles. Thanks so much for joining us, Emma!

Sending a huge thank you to Formula 1 for inviting us to be one of the charities supported by the British Grand Prix. GOSH patients and families had an unforgettable experience in the Paddock and even met some of their racing and celeb heroes. A special shout out to the F1 teams who welcomed us into their garages and a big thank you to Silverstone, GL events UK and The Technical Department for making this possible. We also raised over £40,000 thanks to our amazing fundraising volunteers.

We’re so pleased to share our amazing partner Premier Inn and Restaurants (Whitbread) has raised an incredible £25 million for GOSH Charity. Since 2012, their team members, guests and customers have gone above and beyond to help reach this momentous milestone. Thanks to their support, we have been able to open The Sight and Sound Centre and the Premier Inn Clinical Building at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Their dedicated team members are now helping to fund the new Children’s Cancer Centre, transforming cancer care for children at GOSH. Thank you to everyone at Premier Inn and Restaurants for choosing us as your national charity for the past 12 years. Together, you’re helping to give seriously ill children the best chance and the best childhood possible.

“Everything at GOSH is about children. Our room looks like a nursery with lots of pictures on the walls, even the animal paintings on the ward of lions, elephants and giraffes.” Jaden, Saint-Hallie’s dad. Saint-Hallie was diagnosed with a rare type of eye cancer just a few months before she was due to start nursery. It’s been a challenging time for the family as they navigate home and hospital life. Saint-Hallie is halfway through her treatment and has already had to spend lots of time away from her siblings. She really misses sing-a-longs with her big sister but visits from the music therapy team have helped to brighten those moments. “One of the music therapists was sitting close, and Saint-Hallie started strumming the guitar and interacting with her. I found it very emotional.” We're here to help give children like Saint-Hallie the best chance and the best childhood possible. Until no childhood is lost to serious illness.