Joy to the wards! Dancer Kate shares a day in the life
9 Dec 2024, 2:46 p.m.
Meet Kate. She’s a dancer and member of the team at GOSH Arts – the charity-funded arts and cultural programme at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Kate helps children in the hospital express themselves, move their bodies and, just as importantly, have fun.
From early starts to space-themed adventures, she shares a day in her life.
'I wouldn’t swap this job for anything.'
5.30am – Early start
I wake up in my home in Northumberland, begin my medication routine and head to the station with my support worker. On the train I respond to emails and prepare for the day.
11.30am – Getting to GOSH
My day at GOSH begins! Being a wheelchair user working as an artist in the hospital is incredible. I’ve had families say, "You could be a dancer like Kate”. Giving that moment of hope to a family, and showing them that disability is okay, is why I’m on the wards. I wouldn’t swap this job for anything.
12pm – Sweet treat
After doing some admin with a coffee in the hospital café, I’m first in the lunch queue for their incredible cake and custard (a must before my shift).
12.30pm – Team meeting
I’m joined by Charlene, another artist from the GOSH Arts team, and we plan our shift. Every day varies – one minute I’m performing a dance piece in a communal area and the next I’m working one-on-one with a patient. I grab my kit (filled with bubbles, squishy toys and shakers) and it’s time to go.
1.30pm – Space adventure
Charlene and I work on a space-themed session outside using space blankets and hula hoops. We have about 30 people dancing with us, including a young boy chasing me around pretending to be a rocket. Brilliant.
2.45pm - Pizza dance party
Dancing with nine-year-old Aditi [pictured top of this page], who wanted to create a dance themed around... pizza! Our planned session went out the window and we spent an hour dancing to our new song, ‘Cheesy, Cheesy Pizza’. Look out for that one in the charts.
4pm – Puppy pit stop
We run into GOSH therapy dog Poppy. These furry friends help to reduce stress for children in hospital and bring a smile to everyone they meet – me included.
5pm – Winding down
Back at my hotel, I go through my evening medication routine. One of the beautiful things about this role is that I really get it. I’ve had complex health conditions for over half my life, and I know that in hospital it can feel like time revolves around the next step in your medical regimen.
But there are so many programmes at GOSH, like GOSH Arts, which mean families aren’t just watching the clock. They get regular and fulfilling visits from therapy dogs, dancers, musicians… you name it! To be part of that is very special.
Bring joy. Donate to GOSH Charity this Christmas
This year, kids from all over the UK will spend Christmas at GOSH.
Childhood Christmases shouldn’t be spent on a ward, but when they have to be, we do everything we can to make Christmas feel like Christmas.
Christmas should be a time of joy and wonder, with loved ones close by. Of following traditions and making new ones. Decorating trees with the Play team, watching the Christmas lights go on with your favourite nurse and singing and dancing with GOSH Arts.
Donate to our Christmas Appeal and help create magical memories this festive season.