THE 'NEW' FAMILY

From just 2 weeks old to 18 years,

I spent countless days and nights at GOSH – on different wards, going through surgeries, appointments, physio sessions and a million other reasons to be walking through their doors. Of course, there were scary moments, endless waiting, and more than a few meals in their legendary restaurant (my dad still swears nothing will ever beat their burger, chips, and beans!).

Then there’s the play bus in reception. I used to make my dad be the passenger and squeeze into those tiny kid seats – looking back now, I do feel terrible, but maybe I just liked watching him struggle to fold himself into them. Mum was never allowed on the bus, only Dad when I was driving, haha!

Most people think of hospitals as cold and intimidating places – and honestly, I get that, but GOSH is different. It’s a place filled with hope, care, and a little bit of magic. They turned me into the fighter I am today and made a terrifying journey feel safe.

This walk is saying thank you – not just to GOSH, but to every doctor, surgeon, nurse, and playroom leaders who made me (and so many others) forget, even for a second, that we were in a hospital.

GOSH will always feel like a second home to me, even though I walked out of its doors for the last time 13 years ago. To show just how deeply it has shaped me, I even chose to get a tattoo in its honour. It’s not only the physical scars from countless hours of surgery that I carry, but also this scar of my own choosing – a permanent reminder of where my crazy journey began and a way of keeping GOSH with me for life.

So, please support us as we walk for the incredible kids, families, and staff who make GOSH truly extraordinary.