Give to GOSH appeal: James, Mia, Assad - the little lives that need your help

What I saw when I visited GOSH was a hospital run with enormous efficiency and kindness, but also a place that needs updating

Six-year-old James McCartney, in isolation after a risky bone marrow transplant (Micha Theiner)

Today we launch The Independent on Sunday’s Christmas Charity Appeal, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. You might think that this world-famous institution is so established and well funded that it doesn’t need our help.

I didn’t know enough about what GOSH does either, so before the launch of our appeal – in partnership with The Independent, i, Evening Standard and London Live – I went to the central London maze of buildings for a look around.

What I saw was, of course, a hospital run with enormous efficiency and kindness, with flurries of medical professionals and pastoral volunteers, parents being consulted and advised, and children receiving amazing care.

But more than that, it’s a world-class centre for treatment and research that is outgrowing its space, that requires updating, and that goes through equipment and toys with alarming speed.

All of that comes together in the story of James. I met James, through the glass of his isolation unit. He’s as loud and busy as any six-year-old, playing on his tablet, assembling Lego in his Minions onesie and grumbling about his teacher.

He’s lived in that room since having a risky bone marrow transplant in August and (whether or not it’s because I’m a mum) I am awe-struck by his ability to get on with the business of living in such a small space, and without pals to knock around with. Then I sit with his mum, Emma, who has stayed with James at GOSH since he was first admitted in February. She is astonishingly stoical, and eloquent about her gravely ill son, and how many, many people have been involved with bringing him back from the brink.

They, and Mia and Assad, who I met in Eagle Ward, and all the other children in the hospital, rely on donations for all manner of medical, educational and play therapy.

Over the coming weeks, the paper will tell you about other areas of GOSH that need your help. I know that you will give generously.

Twitter: @lisamarkwell

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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