World-famous photographer Rankin brings school photo day to GOSH
25 Mar 2025, 11:50 a.m.
School photo day is one of many special childhood moments that children facing long stays in hospital may miss out on.
That's why, on 24 March 2025 we organised for some of the children treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to have the opportunity to have their school photo taken by world-famous photographer Rankin.
Rankin – best known for photographing stars from Kate Moss to the Rolling Stones – swapped his signature white background for the classic powder blue backdrop used at schools up and down the country.
‘Hopefully it will provide families with nostalgic keepsakes’ – Rankin
Our school photo day at GOSH comes as a survey of UK parents found that 88% feel collecting school photos throughout their child’s childhood is important, with more than half keeping every single one. Three quarters also look back at school photos to remind them of their child’s journey.
“I am really proud to be a part of this incredible initiative from GOSH Charity and it was an honour to meet the children and their families,” Rankin says.
“Hearing their experiences was incredibly moving and hopefully our School Photo Day will provide families with nostalgic keepsakes, as every child deserves to have their lives and important milestones documented and celebrated. I hope our work today produces cherished reminders and highlights how GOSH Charity ensure that no childhood is lost to serious illness.”
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Oba
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Julian
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Eamonn
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Rankin
‘It’s something I will treasure forever’
Among those photographed was five-year-old Arthur, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at six weeks old.
His mum Jennifer says: “Arthur has spent his childhood in and out of GOSH, it's been really tough watching him miss out on special milestones like having his school picture taken. There are so many different factors that come from not being at school for a couple of weeks, it affects his friendships and his education.
Arthur
“It really means the world to me that Arthur had his first ever school photo taken by Rankin and it's something I will treasure forever. No child should have to spend their childhood in hospital, but GOSH Charity has helped make sure that Arthur doesn’t miss out on some of those childhood moments that matter most.”
GOSH Charity will be hosting another school photo day later this week to give as many children as possible the chance to have their photo taken.
Until no childhood is lost to serious illness
At GOSH Charity we believe no childhood should be lost to illness.
We raise vital funds to give seriously ill children the best chance, and the best childhood, possible.
Find out more about how we support children and their families at GOSH.
