British astronaut Tim Peake brings joy to cancer patients at GOSH

Children being treated for cancer at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have received a surprise visit from astronaut Tim Peake, who has backed Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’s (GOSH Charity) fundraising appeal to build a world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre.

Tim, who was the first British astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2015, dropped into the hospital on Wednesday to meet young patients undergoing treatment for cancer, who he delighted with stories about his time in space.

He also visited the hospital site of the new Children's Cancer Centre ahead of the official start of construction on June 3, two years after GOSH Charity launched its Build it. Beat it. appeal – the most ambitious fundraising appeal in the organisation’s history.

The Children's Cancer Centre will help drive transformation in children's cancer care and save more lives, with new inpatient wards, intensive care units and a cancer day care centre.

Among the patients Tim met was five-year-old Aubrey, from Essex, who is undergoing chemotherapy at GOSH after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Tim gave Aubrey a badge that he had with him on the ISS, which her dad, Sammy, says she has since asked to have sewn onto her favourite cap which she decorated herself.

Sammy said: “Aubrey was so happy to see him, she was really excited that he is an astronaut and was amazed the patch Tim gave her had gone to space.

“She couldn’t believe someone who had been in space was sitting next to her. Her grandad is a space fanatic, so Aubrey said straight after: ‘I need to tell grandad I’ve met an astronaut!’.

“She was also given a teddy from a nurse which is a pig in a space outfit; she’s named it Tim.”

Tim said: “It’s been a real privilege to meet some of the incredibly brave children and families being treated at GOSH and to hear all about the new Children's Cancer Centre. Throughout my career, I’ve seen some of the incredible things we can achieve when science, innovation and teamwork come together and the new Children's Cancer Centre will do just that, combining world-class expertise under one roof to give more children the chance of a brighter future.

“I’m proud to support the Build it. Beat it. appeal, and meeting the remarkable patients and staff today was a deeply moving and powerful reminder of why this work matters.”

Tim also met four-year-old Joshua, who is undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma at GOSH.

Mum Juliette said the Children’s Cancer Centre – which includes plans for new outdoor spaces and a hospital school with more capacity for learning and play – will “make all the difference”.

She added: “Every little donation, every little bit of support, will translate into a completely different and improved experience for children and young people with cancer like Joshua."

GOSH Charity is raising £300m to help build the new Children's Cancer Centre, which will give more children with cancer the best chance possible. To find out more, visit gosh.org/cancer

About Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity)

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) stops at nothing to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer. For the hundreds of children from all over the UK who are treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) every day, for children with rare or complex illnesses everywhere, for this generation and all those to come.

GOSH has been transforming the lives of seriously ill children since opening its doors in 1852 and has always depended on charitable support. GOSH Charity funds groundbreaking research into children’s health, cutting-edge medical equipment, child-centred medical facilities and the support services children and families going through the toughest journey of their lives urgently need.  But there is so much more we need to do.

Together with our supporters, we can give seriously ill children the best chance, and the best childhoods, possible. Because we believe no childhood should be lost to serious illness.

Join us, visit gosh.org today.