Great Ormond Street Hospital and Children's Charity

“It’s amazing to see him here, compared to how he was after his treatment, he’s getting so much stronger and more confident. It’s just lovely to see him running around and enjoying all these activities.” Khajida, Umar’s mum.

Last weekend, hundreds of GOSH patients joined us for an exciting day of sports and activities with Get Active.

The special event encourages current patients with cancer, and those who have completed treatment, to try a range of sports to help with their long-term recovery.

Among them was eight-year-old Umar, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just three years old.

After undergoing intense chemotherapy, radiation and two clinical trials, Umar has developed a passion for table tennis and badminton.

He took part in these activities at Get Active, as well cricket, gymnastics, cycling and even the climbing wall.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this a memorable day for children and their families.

Sending a huge thank you to Formula 1 and the incredible F1 teams for welcoming GOSH patients and families into their garages at the recent British Grand Prix.

From exciting experiences in the Paddock to meeting racing and celeb heroes, the weekend was full of memorable moments for everyone.

We also raised over £40,000, thanks to our volunteer fundraisers.

“I know it sounds like a cliché, but you really don’t think it will ever happen to your child. It felt like our world fell out from under us.” Harri, Eddie’s mum.

When Eddie became breathless during his usual bedtime story, his mum knew something wasn’t right.

An X-Ray revealed he had a mass over his lung and the family were immediately transferred to GOSH for specialist care.

Here, Eddie was diagnosed with leukaemia and immediately started treatment.

“Our new normal was a huge shock. Eddie didn’t feel that ill and it was really tough to explain to him why treatment was making him feel so much worse than he did before.

“But Eddie is the definition of resilient, he responded well to treatment and came through it all like a champion. He inspires me every day.

“To say we are proud, doesn’t even come close to how we truly feel about him.”

We’re so happy to share Eddie is now 9 years old and doing really well. He even rang the end of treatment bell last week, cheered on by his family and the team who cared for him.

During his treatment at GOSH, Eddie had whole genome sequencing. This special sequencing helps to identify why a child may develop cancer and what treatments could be the most effective.

GOSH consultant Dr Jack Bartram recently led research, that Eddie was part of, to see how impactful this type of testing is for patients and their families.

“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.”

Thank you for sharing you story with us 💙

“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.”

“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 💙

When Ezra became breathless and too tired to play, his mum knew something was wrong.

Blood tests showed Ezra didn’t have enough healthy red blood cells and he was immediately transferred to GOSH for specialist care.

Ezra was diagnosed with 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.”

“Before the seizures began Oran was hitting all his milestones but as his epilepsy became more severe, we lost more and more of him.” Justine, Oran’s proud mum.

Oran’s seizures started two weeks after his third birthday. He went from being a happy, energetic toddler to needing round-the-clock care.

His family tried everything, and last year, Oran became the first person to join a UK clinical trial to have a deep brain stimulation device fitted onto his skull here at GOSH.

Since then, Oran and his family’s life has completely changed. His seizures have reduced by 80%, he’s been able to get some of independence back and has even started horse riding.

By joining the trial, Oran not only has hope for his future, but he’s paving the way for more children with severe epilepsy.

As the research continues, we’re excited to see the life-changing impact this new treatment may bring.

“I’m my strongest when I’m around Maya. She gives me this strength that I just didn’t know I had. You try and find a positive in all this sadness.” Daisy, Maya’s mum.

Little Maya was diagnosed with leukaemia at just six weeks old. She was immediately transferred to GOSH and started treatment.

The hospital quickly became a second home for Maya and her family.

Maya needed chemotherapy and immunotherapy before having a bone marrow transplant which meant time away from her big sister, Bonnie.

After many months at GOSH, Maya’s family heard the news they’d been waiting for – it was time to go home.

Sadly, Maya relapsed a month later and continues to have treatment today.

After spending much of her life in hospital, Maya’s family make the most of moments they can spend together.

Recently, they were able to celebrate Maya’s 1st birthday at home with presents, loved ones and a trip to the park.

We’re helping to build a new Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH for children like Maya.

The world-leading centre will help to deliver ground-breaking research into kinder treatments and support every aspect of care, all under one roof.

We know Father’s Day can be a challenging time for some, which is why we're sending our love to:

💜 Dads with seriously ill children
💜 Dads who have lost their children
💜 Carers, foster dads and grandads

To all our GOSH dads, parents, carers and staff members, please know you're not alone and we're thinking of you today.

“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 became sick soon after her 1st birthday. She had bronchiolitis and had been in and out of A&E for a few weeks.

It was at this point her local hospital sent Beatrice’s blood to GOSH for tests. Within 24 hours Beatrice arrived through our doors to start chemotherapy…

“We really felt that we were in the best place for her treatment and had complete faith in Beatrice’s consultants and wider medical team

“We’re just over half-way through Beatrice’s treatment plan, with the hardest yards hopefully behind us.

“Beatrice loves music and dancing and has just started to stand by herself - she’s even trying to take her first steps!

“It’s great to see that she’s got her energy back and is full of fun. It’s keeping us motivated throughout this journey.”

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 appeal to help build a new world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre here at GOSH.

“One thing we can choose to do is honour our beautiful girl and build a legacy that she would be proud of, helping children and families similar to ours along the way.” Adam, Orla’s dad.

Orla was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in October 2022. She needed intensive treatment at GOSH and her family spent many special moments, including Orla’s 2nd birthday, in hospital.

By April of last year, scans showed Orla’s cancer was undetectable. But heartbreakingly the cancer returned a few months later and Orla’s treatment moved to palliative care.

In honour of their daughter, Orla’s parents are now aiming to raise £100,000 to put towards a patient room in our new Children’s Cancer Centre.

The challenge sees their friends Will and Tim running 7 marathons in 7 countries in 7 days.

Starting in London last Saturday, Adam joined his friends for the 1st marathon and he will join them in Paris for the final run on Friday.

“Will and Tim must have superhuman physical and mental strength to achieve what they’re doing but they know that this is nothing in comparison to what children who are battling cancer or terminal diseases have to face every day.”

With two more marathons to go, Team Orla have already raised over £23,000.

Please join us in cheering them on for the final stretch!

This Volunteer Week we're celebrating the incredible team of GOSH volunteers, who give their time to support patients and their families.

From stepping through the front doors, to finding where they need to be, we know our volunteers go the extra mile to help make people's time in hospital that little less daunting.

Totalling an amazing 36,000 hours of volunteering time in the past year alone, these volunteers - unmissable in their bright yellow uniform - cover 36 different types of volunteering roles, including patient and parent support, guides, admin and reception support and many more.

Help us say a huge thank you in the comments 💜

Core memories made and an afternoon filled with joy thanks to a surprise visit by much-loved Emotions from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Disney CEO, Bob Iger, who shared the exciting news children at GOSH will be among the first to watch Inside Out 2 when it’s streamed to bedsides next week, as well funding for a MediCinema experience at the Hospital in the years to come.

Thank you for continuing to bring the magic of Disney to GOSH.

“Our biggest hope is that she can form her own life outside of treatment and her condition, and not be held back by everything she has been through.” Stephen and Lianna, Lily’s parents. 💜

Lily was diagnosed with a brain tumour soon after her 1st birthday. She was transferred to GOSH for specialist care and began chemotherapy.

Now aged seven, Lily’s proud parents describe her as ‘very independent, talkative, and insightful.’

Visiting the hospital has been a big part of Lily’s life, so to help thank the teams who continue to care for her, Lily’s family were inspired to start a TeamGOSH Fund…

“GOSH Charity have done a lot for us and we want people to know this. Fundraising is a way of channelling our thoughts about our family’s experience into something positive.”

So far, Lily’s loved ones have raised over £55,000, with part of this amazing total helping to fund research to improve the diagnosis of brain tumours.

Thanks so much for your support 💜

We’re honoured to share His Majesty King Charles III is now the Royal Patron of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The news continues GOSH’s long connection with the Royal Family. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the Royal Patron for 57 years and we’re delighted the King has chosen to continue the role.

Let’s give superstar Millie a round of applause 👏

Millie recently completed a 30-day litter picking challenge, raising over £2,100 for GOSH.

Keen to make a difference, Millie chose the challenge as she also wanted to make her local area a brighter and cleaner place for everyone to enjoy.

Drop a 💜 to help us thank Millie for her amazing support.

“When I experience a flare up, I can be off school or in hospital for long periods of time. I feel so fatigued and it’s hard to do anything.” Aisha, GOSH patient 💜

Aisha was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was just four years old.

A type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s is a life-long condition that Aisha, now aged 15, continues to learn to manage.

Today, on World IDB day, she shares her story…

“My symptoms started when I was just two years old. As I got older, I was in lots of pain and constantly going to the toilet.

“Following my diagnosis, the first thing I remember of GOSH was a Play worker by my side.

“I’ve spent lots of time in and out of hospital but during the pandemic I was an inpatient at GOSH and we stayed for the first three months of lockdown.

“I had my stoma fitted during that time and then had surgery to remove my large intestine.

“Over the years, I’ve learnt how to manage my disease in my own way but it majorly impacts my life.

“I’m currently on total parenteral nutrition, which means I'm given nutrients through infusion. I can’t eat food as my gut needs to heal itself.

“I also visit GOSH every eight weeks for injections, as well as other times in-between for check-ups.

“Everyone has their own way of dealing with things. At school, I like to be honest about my condition because it makes it a lot easier. I think that if people judge, then that’s on them.

“I’m thinking about two career choices: either something medicine related or something down the design route, because I like textiles.

“I’m still deciding which way to go, but since coming to GOSH I’ve always wanted to go into medicine.”

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Aisha.

Did you know the colour purple is a symbol of awareness for those living with IBD? Leave a 💜 to show your support.

“It’s been quite a long journey and even though it’s done, we’re not over it. I don’t think you can ever be over it.” Amira, Sumayyah’s mum. 💜

At just 18 months old, Sumayyah was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

She was blue lighted to GOSH and immediately started chemotherapy.

Sumayyah celebrated her 2nd birthday in hospital and soon after, her family heard the news they’d been waiting for – she was cancer-free

Sadly, after a short time of being home, Sumayyah relapsed. She returned to GOSH, and this time, she needed a bone marrow transplant.

Sumayyah spent much of her early childhood in hospital but we’re so happy to share she’s been in remission for over 4 years, enjoys going to school and loves to paint and draw.

“She has loads of energy, she wants to catch up with life, so she wants to do everything!”

Ahead of International Nurses Day and Operating Department Practioner Day we held a special event to celebrate our staff.

Emma Bunton joined the festivities to help thank the teams for the care and support they give to children and their families.

Please join us in celebrating all GOSH nurses and ODPs. 💜

“Growing up deaf, there were some hard times and some easy times, but I never let being deaf hold me back.” Paris, former GOSH patient.

Paris needed to wear hearing aids since she was a baby. By the time she turned 13, she experienced further hearing loss and was referred to GOSH for cochlear implants.

This Deaf Awareness Week, the inspiring teen and aspiring actor shares her journey…

“People had always told me you can’t sing if you’re deaf because you can’t hear the pitch.

“But something I’ve learnt from my time at GOSH is there’s always an alternative way. There are still struggles I have, but I’ve learnt ways around it.

“My cochlear implants have allowed me to hear certain things I couldn’t hear before, like birdsong or the pitch on the piano.

“I’ve had singing lessons and found out I could sing rhythmic songs from some of my favourite musicals and I’m now studying performing arts and auditioning for drama school.”

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Paris 💜

“We are home now, glad after a long time, that we are spending time at home as a family.” Fahim, Umar’s proud dad. 💜

Umar was just three years old when he was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Over the next four years, he underwent intense courses of chemotherapy, radiation and two clinical trials.

He has spent many special moments in hospital, including three birthdays and three Ramadans.

Here, his dad shares their story…

“GOSH became a second home. Me and his mum used to take turns, I would stay one night; she would stay one night. I remember in 2021, I spent more nights in hospital than I spent at home.

“Now, Umar is eight years old and is back at school. I am back full time at work. We are just living a ‘normal’ life now.

“I remember so many people telling me ‘It's just like a bad dream, one day you'll think about it, and it will be like a dream.’ I'm standing here right now, yes it does seem like a dream.

“We still go to Great Ormond Street every three months for scans, but right now he’s enjoying doing the things he loves like playing table-tennis and badminton.”

Congratulations Alyssa 👏

The inspirational teen recently won the ‘Young Person of Courage’ and ‘Young Person of the Year’ at the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire 2024 Awards.

It was an extra special moment for Alyssa as the event marked two years since she first arrived at GOSH to join a life-changing clinical trial.

Since then, she has shared her story to raise awareness of childhood cancer and now hopes to work for the NHS one day.

We’re so proud of Alyssa. Add a 💜 to congratulate her too.