Donating to our cancer centre will help give patients like Harley the education they deserve
Every child and young person deserves access to education. That’s why Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has a dedicated school, teaching around 1,000 patients every year.
For seriously ill children and young people, attending school provides a sense of normality at a time when everything can feel unfamiliar. It's a chance to keep learning, to keep growing and to keep having fun.
Harley (pictured below) spent three years being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at GOSH. The school was a much-needed distraction, and he loved doing science experiments with teachers who would visit him on the ward.
But although the education at GOSH is outstanding, the facilities urgently need upgrading. The school is housed in a building from the 1930s, and there’s a lack of space for patients and teachers, which limits the number of pupils who can attend.
We want to make sure as many patients as possible can continue their education during treatment.
Help to build the new hospital school at GOSH, located in the new Children's Cancer Centre, and give seriously ill patients the education they deserve.
Harley at GOSH with his mum, Rachael
How your support could help
With double the capacity, the new GOSH school will include more space to learn and play. Technology will help keep patients connected to their home schools, so they don’t feel so isolated, and beds can be brought in, so more patients can learn alongside their peers.
Plus, for the first time, different age groups will have dedicated areas designed with their specific needs in mind.
Your donation could help fund these vital spaces to make sure all patients at GOSH have access to the education they deserve.
The early years room
Play-based learning is vital for early development, helping to build social and cognitive skills. The early years room in the new GOSH school will be a space where children can have fun and get creative (and messy!) together, with dedicated art sinks and lots of storage for craft projects.
A space for teens
Currently, patients aged 15 to 18 at GOSH are usually taught on the wards due to the lack of space. In the new school, they’ll be able to attend in person, with a teen area designed for quiet study.
A sensory space
In an environment that can feel overwhelming, it’s important that patients have space to play and relax. The sensory room in the GOSH school will be a welcoming, engaging area for children of all ages and abilities, including those hooked up to IV pumps and wheelchair users.
“We all know school shouldn’t have to happen in hospital. But when it does, I think we need to make it the best it can possibly be. The new school in the Children’s Cancer Centre will give children more normality while they’re going through treatment and recovery.”
Will you give the gift of education to seriously ill patients today?
The new GOSH school will be a nurturing and inspiring place for all GOSH patients. And, for children like Harley, it will also be a lifeline during some of the hardest moments.
Help fund the construction of the new school at GOSH and help give seriously ill patients the education – and the childhoods – they deserve.
Fundraise your own way
If you're thinking about fundraising with your school or choosing your Charity of the Year, then we would love to hear from you!
We have loads of resources for schools and would be delighted to speak to you about your plans. You can get in touch by emailing schools@gosh.org or by calling 020 3841 3841 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm).
Your donation will help fund the construction of the new hospital school in the Children’s Cancer Centre.
In the event that costs change, additional funds are received over and above our target or the needs of the hospital or patients change, we reserve the right to redirect funds for use against the hospital’s most urgent needs.