Hello Kitty visits Great Ormond Street Hospital

25 Oct 2025, 8 a.m.

Patients, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) were delighted to welcome global icon, Hello Kitty for a heart-warming Sanrio Character Aid visit that bought smiles, laughter and a touch of magic to the hospital.

Joining Hello Kitty was His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the UK, marking his first official visit to a hospital in the UK since his appointment in 2024.

The Sanrio Character Aid is a part of “Sanrio Nakayoku Project” which is an initiative where Hello Kitty visits children in hospitals, facilities, and disaster relief areas around the world to bring smiles to everyone. This was Hello Kitty’s first official visit as part of project to a UK hospital.

Group of nurses in blue uniforms smiling and posing with a person dressed as Hello Kitty in a pink dress and bow. The tone is cheerful and lively.

Nurses on Eagle with Hello Kitty

During the visit, Hello Kitty met children on Eagle ward, where she waved to children in their rooms and took photos with staff and families. All patients and staff on the ward received a special gift as a memento of the visit.

Girl in floral outfit with flower crown and black hair hugging hello kitty character with a green and white background

Patient hugging Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty also hosted a meet-and-greet in the Lagoon, GOSH’s canteen, where children and staff were able to have their photos taken with her and also received a gift.

A woman in pink and a man in a suit with a teddy bear pose alongside a large character in a pink dress, conveying a joyful and whimsical atmosphere.

Ambassador Suzuki and his wife, with Hello Kitty and Bernard the Bear

Ambassador Suzuki joined the meet-and-greet, engaging with families and staff and having his photo taken with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity mascot, Bernard the Bear.

Patients, families and staff expressed their happiness and excitement of the popular character’s visit as well as Ambassador Suzuki, who many recognised from his large social media following.

Deputy Head of Play for projects and programmes, Sian Spencer-Little said: “Being in hospital often means our patients miss out on events and celebrations. That’s why the opportunity to welcome character and celebrity visits is so valuable for our children, young people and families.

“Hello Kitty is loved all over the world and visits such as this has a positive impact on our patient's experience at GOSH.”

His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the UK said: "My wife and I were overjoyed to see so many smiles on the faces of children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Hello Kitty has the charm and magic to bring joy to people of all ages.

"We also enjoyed speaking with the children, their families and the commendable hospital staff who took part. We wish them all the best."

Sanrio Company, Ltd. Global Sustainability Department said: ”We would be delighted if Sanrio Character Aid has helped to spread the spirit of “Minna Nakayoku” (Getting Along Together)- that is, a circle of kindness and friendship – throughout the GOSH community.”