GOSH Nurse Beth Porch gets standing ovation on Britain's Got Talent

Last Saturday, a Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) nurse, Beth Porch, won the hearts of the nation after performing her very own song “You Taught Me What Love Is” on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Beth’s audition was unique, particularly as she wrote her own song inspired by GOSH families, the special bonds they share and how love keeps everyone going through tough times. After an emotional rendition, she received four yeses from the judges and some heartfelt feedback:

“Doing what you do, it puts everything into perspective. I was thinking about my own children. I was just choked up the whole time. It was so beautiful,” said celebrity judge Alesha Dixon.

“You are an angel in every way and I’m sure loads of parents at the hospital agree,” concurred Amanda Holden.

Our singing nurse is no stranger to an audience. Last year, a GOSH mum recorded Beth singing to her son Artie, which caused a viral sensation. The song she sung was “It’s All About You”, by McFly, and it gained attention from the band members themselves! Watch Beth here for another performance of “All About You” on Ukelele below:

Beth has been playing music on the wards and teaching patients the guitar since she began training at GOSH, almost six years ago: “I started teaching a boy here how to play guitar when I was a student. He had a guitar in his room, but no one to teach him, so I was like ‘I can do it!’ Then all the parents in the ward heard, so I started going round all the rooms. Music makes a real difference when some of the kids feel grumpy and can’t leave their rooms – it brings a bit of joy, and many tears.”

“As part of my degree I did a bit of research around music therapy for pain relief, and there is evidence to suggest that it does reduce pain. But even as a distraction technique it’s good, and I think music speaks to everyone’s soul. When kids and families are going through the toughest time it just brings a bit of normality and joy.

“It’s beneficial for staff too. Sometimes we sing in the corridor and it just brings everybody up. It really doesn’t take anything – I’ve played music all my life and this is something so small for me, but it makes a huge difference, so of course I’ll do it whenever I can.”