For dozens of children and their families across the UK, this Christmas will be marked not by the comfort of home, but by the beeps of hospital monitors and the dedicated care of NHS staff. At London's world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), young patients like 13-month-old Lenny Page and seven-year-old Lily Kinderis are preparing for a festive season spent on the wards.
A First Christmas on the Intensive Care Unit
Lenny Page has never known a life outside of hospital. The 13-month-old was born with a rare condition called Vacterl association, which involves multiple congenital abnormalities. His oesophagus is not attached, meaning he is fed through tubes, and he has already endured 12 surgeries since birth, with more procedures expected in the coming months.
His mother, Beth, has remained steadfastly at his bedside every day, joined by her husband after work. She describes the last year as "horrendous and tough," with significant fluctuations in Lenny's health. His only home has been his cot in the GOSH intensive care unit, now cheerfully decorated with festive ornaments and several Arsenal pictures, a nod to his football-mad family.
"We don't want to be in hospital at Christmas, but as long as he's well, that's all that matters," Beth told Sky News. The family plans to be with him as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve. "We'll be here at his bedside saying Merry Christmas at midnight," she said. "When the clocks turn, he'll have all his presents like a normal Christmas. We'll try our best to make it feel as good as possible."
'This Christmas Will Be Different': Life on the Cancer Ward
On the children's cancer wards at GOSH, a similar story unfolds. Seven-year-old Lily Kinderis was diagnosed with leukaemia in October. She had initially hoped to be home for the holidays but has recently learned she must remain in hospital for treatment.
"It's really hard and very stressful," Lily said, capturing the disappointment felt by many young patients. Her mother, Edita, shared the family's emotional struggle. "It was so sad, because you know, this Christmas will be different… we definitely will try to make it more like home," she explained.
Hospital staff work tirelessly to preserve the spirit of the season for every child. They reassure patients that Father Christmas knows how to find them in hospital and ensure special stockings are delivered. The aim is to guarantee that no young patient misses out on the magic of Christmas Day.
Creating Community and Hope Amid Treatment
The hospital's efforts extend beyond the wards. The annual carol service, held in the hospital's small chapel which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, offers a precious opportunity for families, patients, and staff to gather away from the relentless cycle of appointments and treatments. The sound of singing provides a moment of communal respite and joy.
For parents like Beth Page, the ultimate hope is for a future Christmas at home. Looking ahead, she holds onto the dream of next year. "That will be the best moment of my life," she said, reflecting on the prospect of having Lenny home. "I can't put it into words how good that would be. Having him home with us."
This Christmas at Great Ormond Street Hospital, amidst the challenges, the enduring themes are resilience, dedicated care, and the powerful, unwavering hope of families facing the most difficult of circumstances.
