What journalists at The Independent are giving up for GOSH – and why you should join them

Staff at The Independent, as well as the Evening Standard, have pledged to take part in Give It Up for GOSH to raise money for some of the UK's most poorly children

Journalists at The Independent and Evening Standard today joined the families of Great Ormond Street patients by pledging to give up luxuries to help critically ill children.

Staff are preparing to deprive themselves of indulgences such as meat, fizzy drinks and dairy from January 1 – and urge you to do the same.

It forms part of our Give It Up For GOSH fundraising initiative, which shows solidarity with patients who have to give up some of their favourite things while receiving treatment.

The move is the latest stage in The Independent's Give to GOSH campaign to raise money for the world leading paediatric centre.

Amol Rajan, editor of The Independent, has pledged to give up meat for January

Patients forced to forgo their cherished treats and activities include six-year-old James McCartney, from Surrey.

He has an incredibly rare immune disorder that means he can’t play outside. As a result he has spent months cooped up in the hospital unable to play his favourite sport, golf, or see his sisters.

Rowan Pethard, who The Independent is following as part of our campaign, has also had to stop doing something he loves. Instead of playing football, the seven-year-old has to make do with video games while he undergoes treatment.

Lisa Markwell, editor of The Independent on Sunday, has pledged to give up sugar for January

Teenager Matthew Thompson has never been able to play rugby despite his passion for the sport because of rare congenital condition called Scimitar Syndrome, which affects his heart and lungs.

When he was four months old he underwent life-saving surgery and ever since has been in and out of GOSH for regular scans and tests.

But his circumstances haven’t deterred him from forgoing even more for Give It Up For GOSH. He is quitting fizzy drinks and crisps, while his mum gives up cakes and puddings.

Carol Thompson, 41, said: “It’s going to be really tough for both of us but it will all be worth it. The hospital has a very special place in our hearts.”

Annabel Bartfeld, mother of former GOSH patient Jessica, is also depriving herself to support the hospital that saved her daughter’s life.

Jessica, 10, underwent an eight hour operation to remove a brain tumour at the age of two. In January her mother is giving up chocolate.

She said: “The care Jessy received was unbelievable – every person we met at GOSH was so caring and attentive. Jessy was very ill post-surgery and we spent a month on the ward. Although she couldn’t walk, talk, or swallow after her operation, she is now fully recovered and requires no further treatment.

“GOSH made all my dreams come true and I met the most amazing people, that’s why I am helping to raise funds by taking part in Give it up for GOSH.”

Getting involved yourself is simple. Visit www.gosh.org/giveitupforgosh. Follow the simple instructions to set up your JustGiving page and share with your friends, family and colleagues so they can sponsor your month-long sacrifice.