Henry: our animated festive hero
This year, 4-year-old Henry and his family will be home together for the festive season, having spent Henry's first two at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). As part of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity’s Christmas campaign, enjoy its festive animation, inspired by Henry's story.
This imaginative retelling of Henry's personal story features an animated Henry. It follows him as he journeys from GOSH to his home in the North of England.
Henry passes by famous UK landmarks such as Big Ben and the Humber Bridge and eventually, with the help of 100-year-old GOSH supporter Ivy, manages the final leg of his travels safely back home.
Santa's special visit to GOSH
Henry’s mum Shevonne talks about her son’s time at GOSH and how the hospital’s festive activities, together with a visit from a benevolent old man with red robes and a white beard, provided the family with reassurance.
Henry first arrived at GOSH two days before Christmas. It was a worrying and anxious time for the family. Shevonne recalls: “We arrived at GOSH’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) on 23 December 2017, and we were obviously full of worry and concern for what lay ahead for Henry.
“As we sat in the bedspace waiting for what would happen next, the most incredibly warm-hearted man dressed in red came and knelt by the chair I was sitting in with Henry. It was Santa, THE Santa.
“He was softly spoken and magical in every way. My husband and I had a rough five weeks just to reach GOSH with Henry, but Santa’s kind words truly gave us hope and strength to move forwards and hope for a miracle with our little boy.
“It was tough to know we wouldn’t be gathering with the extended family to show off our new-born child as we imagined we would on Christmas Day.”
Throughout December, the hospital joins the festivities; Christmas music is played across the wards and Santa visits with gifts bought with donations from generous supporters. Not forgetting lots of festive dressing up by the patients and the staff!
“As we sat in the bedspace waiting for what would happen next, the most incredibly warm-hearted man dressed in red came and knelt by the chair I was sitting in with Henry. It was Santa, THE Santa..."
-Shevonne, Henry's mum.
Discover how you can support our hospital
We wish Henry and his wonderful family a safe and peaceful time this Christmas and we send seasonal best wishes to all our patients, staff, volunteers and supporters.
Read more about Henry’s heart-warming story and find out how you can support our hospital during this festive season by visiting the GOSH Charity website.
