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.

“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.

This weekend, GOSH Charity proudly joined the Pride in London Parade. We were thrilled to spend the day celebrating the power of diversity and inclusion.

“Oli is the most excitable child you can imagine, he’s always jumping up and down.” Oliver’s dad, Christian 💙 Oliver’s childhood has always been filled with friends, fun and family. But in March this year, he was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer and immediately started chemotherapy at GOSH. The treatment means Oliver’s had to swap running around outside for keepie-uppies in his hospital room, cheered on by his favourite physio. “Oli is missing his normal life of school, sports and friends’ parties, but GOSH has done really well to mitigate the impacts on him. “With the help of the hospital teacher, the Play Team and his physio, Oli has been able to keep up with school and play games when he’s feeling well enough. “The biggest thing he has missed out on is seeing other children his own age because he hasn’t been able to leave the room due to infections as his immune system is low.” We're here to help give children like Oliver the best chance and the best childhood possible. Until no childhood is lost to serious illness.

“Ezra missed out on a lot of things because he was ill. His first day at school, learning to ride a bike, his fifth birthday party.” Merley, Ezra’s proud mum. Meet Ezra. He's one of the amazing kids at Great Ormond Street Hospital featured in our new film. Ezra was diagnosed with a severe type of anaemia that caused his bone marrow to fail. He needed a bone marrow transplant and had to isolate for a long time. “We missed out on two years of family life. But GOSH and the services GOSH Charity funds really helped us. Physically and emotionally, GOSH was there for us, and that gave us hope. “The Play Team and all the staff helped Ezra forget about the serious stuff and allowed him to have a childhood in hospital but also the chance to dream big. “I’m so proud that Ezra now wants to be a firefighter when he grows up, a lifesaver, just like GOSH has been for us.”

Research news! GOSH Patient Oran’s epilepsy seizures have reduced by 80% after joining a clinical trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Oran, who has been living with severe epileptic seizures for ten years, is the first child in the world UK to have this specific deep brain stimulation device fitted onto his skull. Now 8 months on, his seizures have dramatically reduced in frequency and severity. The exciting news comes from the first UK clinical trial measuring this type of treatment for children with epilepsy. Currently in the pilot phase, we’re proud to fund the second phase of the CADET Trial through our Translational Research Accelerator Grants, in partnership with LifeArc.

Happy 3rd Birthday to the Sight and Sound Centre! 🎉 In June 2021, the UK’s first dedicated facility for children and young people with sight and hearing loss opened its doors at GOSH. The centre, made possible thanks to support from Premier Inn and Restaurants, was designed with input from children with sight and hearing loss, creating a welcoming, comfortable and fully accessible environment. Now, specialist teams care for around 8,000 children and young people each year.

Happy Pride Month everyone! We’re looking forward to joining the GOSH float at the Pride in London Parade this weekend 💜

“You hear the words ‘I’m sorry, your daughter has leukaemia’ and your mind immediately goes to a dark place. That feeling from those first few hours will stay with us forever.” Oliver, Beatrice’s dad. Beatrice was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 14 months old. She continues to need cancer treatment at GOSH, but for now, she’s able to spend more time at home with her family. Together, they’re making the most of these moments by doing all the things Beatrice loves, like listening to music and dancing. Beatrice’s family generously shared their story on today’s episode of This Morning. Joining presenter Josie Gibson, they helped to raise awareness of our Build It. Beat It. Appeal and the need for a new world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH.

Watch the moment GOSH patient Otto sees his face on screen for the first time 💜 Otto was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just four years old. Now, he’s cancer-free and recently featured in a special 3D campaign with Ocean Outdoor to raise awareness of our Build it. Beat it. Appeal. In a creative concept developed with Open Creates, Otto is helping to show how Great Ormond Street Hospital has outgrown its current cancer facilities and needs a new world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre. We just loved seeing Otto’s reaction to the campaign.