Great Ormond Street charity appeal: How you have helped our sick children
There are only a few hours left to bid for some unique and original items in our final charity auction
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The fourth and final online auction in aid of the Give to GOSH appeal ends this evening at 9pm. With the conclusion of our campaign close at hand, that means there is still a chance for readers to bid for a range of amazing items and experiences.
Our auctions this year, run in partnership with Givergy Access, have been record-breaking in the amounts they have raised and we are delighted that readers have responded so brilliantly to the appeal. Bidding for some of the final lots has been intense. But there are still a few hours left to get involved – so don’t delay!
Fans of James Bond might be interested in getting their hands on a Tom Ford-designed tuxedo worn by 007 actor Daniel Craig. Fashionistas can bid to take tea in the Louis Vuitton private client apartment or for an iconic Galaxy dress by Roland Mouret, while a signed Arsenal shirt will appeal to followers of the Gunners.
Also up for grabs are tours of the Rolls-Royce factory and the Lotus F1 HQ, as well as stays in stunning hotels in the UK and as far afield as Dubai and Corfu. An original drawing by Darren Baker comes with the chance to meet the artist himself. And other lots include designer handbags from Globe-Trotter and Alexander McQueen; whisky from 34 signed by Tracey Emin; a limited, illustrated edition of Peter Pan; and a night at a West End show with Independent arts editor David Lister.
Follow the money: As the appeal enters its final week, cast members explain how your donations have helped
Children’s palliative care
The appeal will fund the priority needs of the Louis Dundas Centre, a world-leading unit dedicated to children’s palliative care. Professor Myra Bluebond-Langner (pictured), the True Colours chair in palliative care for children and young people, said: “The generosity of those who have donated means LDC can continue to contribute to palliative care and pain management in children.
“The appeal has raised awareness of children’s palliative care, something which is hard to talk about. It also highlighted the importance of treating their physical social, emotional and spiritual needs. This will allow us to invest more in vital research, which will lead to better care. In so doing it will help us to reduce suffering – everyone’s primary goal.”
Research
We can confirm that £1m of the money raised in the appeal will be spent on researching cures and treatments for rare diseases prevalent in children. Investment will be concentrated on areas where we have the greatest chance of making a difference to the lives of ill children, and specifically on brain tumours. Professor David Goldblatt (above), director of clinical research and development, said: “We have been amazed by the generosity of readers and the phenomenal amount of money raised, which means we can commit £1m to our programme.
“We need to give our researchers the resources to support them in helping the next generation of seriously ill children. The incredible amount of money raised in this appeal will help us in our mission. Thank you.”
Play
Your money will cover the cost of 10 members of the play team supporting children for an entire year. “The play team at the hospital are incredible,” says Amie, mother of Ralph Frost (both pictured). “I don’t know what we would have done without the help of Lynsey on Eagle Ward. Before I came to GOSH, I thought hospitals were dull, grey, boring. But GOSH is such a colourful place.
“The kids have loads of toys to play with. They can do art and cooking and all the things that children enjoy doing. It is so much more than just play, though. Having Lynsey there gave us a nice break because she would stay with Ralph if I needed time out. As soon as we set foot in the hospital, the first thing Ralph does is ask to see Lynsey.”
Family and patient support
The appeal will fund over 1,000 nights in the family accommodation block, so parents can remain close to children as they undergo treatment. “The parent accommodation takes such a weight off families who are dealing with an incredible amount of stress,” said ward sister Melissa Strickland (above). “To have accommodation a stone’s throw away is an incredible comfort in a hugely difficult time.”
Money will also go towards food vouchers to ease the financial strain. Joanna Scott, mum of heart transplant recipient Marley, said: “I would have really struggled without them. It is so expensive buying food every day and I could not work while I was with Marley in hospital. Quite honestly, they were a lifesaver.”
Chapel funding
Some of the money raised will go to the chaplaincy service to provide patients, their families and staff with an appropriate multi-faith service.
“Not everybody is religious, but for many their spiritual side helps them deal with life’s challenges, gives them hope and meaning, and helps them see their experiences as part of a bigger picture,” GOSH chaplain Jim Linthicum (pictured) said. “The chapel and the multi-faith members of the chaplaincy team provide a beacon of hope for families during their darkest days. It is a place of solace and a pillar of support for all those who need it and your donations will have a huge impact on those who call on us for help.”
Cardiac unit
Money raised by the appeal will also help to fund the creation of a 14-bed unit for children with heart failure, as well as funding the high-dependency bay within it. “It has meant so much to us as a family to have so much support from the public throughout the appeal,” said Candace Livingstone (pictured right), mother of Elliott, a nine-year-old awaiting a heart transplant. “To know the money will go towards helping children like Elliott is wonderful. Every parent wants the best for their child, and it gives us great comfort to know that this appeal will help fund a bay for the sickest children, who deserve the very best in care and facilities.”
Interviews by Alex Dymoke
To Give to GOSH go to: http://ind.pn/1Mydxqt
To find out more about our appeal and why we're supporting GOSH go to: http://ind.pn/1MycZkr
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