George Osborne urges readers to give to GOSH during a visit to the hospital

The Chancellor met with a two-year-old patient waiting for a new heart and praised the bravery of Great Ormond Street Hospital's patients and staff

George Osborne hailed the “courage” of the children of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) — and called on readers to give generously to The Independent's appeal for life-changing facilities.

The Chancellor issued his appeal after meeting a few of the 350 patients currently being treated at the renowned children’s hospital.

“It’s such an amazing place,” he said after chatting with two-year-old heart patient Evie Doherty, from Colchester. She has been kept alive by a Berlin heart pump since April while she waits for a transplant.

Osborne was also moved by the sight of a four-day-old baby fighting for its life. “What you are struck by is the courage of the kids and their parents who are living through an unbelievably difficult situation — but also the nurses and doctors in this brilliant hospital, helping people though the most traumatic moments of their lives,” he said.

The Chancellor's visit to GOSH came after he gave a special “double-your-money” pledge to The Independent's Christmas appeal. It means that for every pound that is donated, the Treasury will match it. This contribution, of up to £1.5 million, is coming out of fines served on banks in the Libor fixing scandal. “I think It’s right that those who demonstrated the very worst of British values should contribute to the people working in this hospital, who are demonstrating the very best of British values,” Osborne said.

He urged the public to make sure the entire £1.5 million in bank fines goes to GOSH by giving as much as they can to The Independent's appeal. He said: “Look, there are still some days to Christmas. I urge everyone to put a little money aside for this fantastic cause.”

Osborne, who met staff on his tour of the hospital, was joined by Boris Johnson to study red blood cells through a microscope in one of the labs.

As part of The Independent's online auction for GOSH, readers can bid on a luxury trip to Las Vegas to watch Sir Elton John perform at Caesars Palace. To find out more: http://ind.pn/1MdJm4b​

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