A special Christmas party for patients

Hundreds of children cared for at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and their families have begun their Christmas celebrations early with a magical festive party.

The party marks the first of our 12 Days of GOSH Xmas, where, from 14 to 25 December, we’re featuring some of the special festive moments taking place at GOSH on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. We’re also asking the GOSH community to share their own experiences with the hashtag #GOSHXmas

The families at the party were joined by a host of celebrity friends, including Emma Bunton, Nick Grimshaw, and Stephen Mulhern, who helped spread cheer at our annual Snow Ball party at London’s Royal National Hotel.

Organised by GOSH Children’s Charity, the parties are a treat for children currently at the hospital and those have been cared for at GOSH in the past year. They give children and their families the chance to spend time together away from the wards and to focus on having fun!

One of the patients attending the party came all the way from Manchester. Eleven-year-old Ella recently received the Child of Courage Award at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, and was lucky enough to meet Emma Bunton.

“Ella was so excited about today and has had the best time at the Christmas party,” says Ella’s mum, Karen. “She especially loved meeting all the celebrities and dancing with the fairies. We’re feeling very Christmassy now!”

There were lots of exciting activities for patients, including face-painting, arts and crafts, a giant inflatable snow globe photo booth, and biscuit decorating with former Great British Bake-Off contestants including Dan Beasley-Harling from this year’s series.

The biggest surprise was a very special visit from Father Christmas himself. He appeared to the 2,000 patients and family members who joined in the festive fun, which also included a dazzling performance from the cast of musical Wicked and a special performance from a choir put together by The Old Vic.

The hospital, with support from GOSH Children’s Charity, ensures that children coming to hospital during Christmas time have the best possible experience. Over the next 12 days, we’re shining a light on some of those experiences, including those for children who are sadly too ill to spend Christmas at home.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to hear more stories from the hospital and charity.

You can share your own GOSH Christmas experiences with the hashtag #GOSHXmas