A team of paediatric doctors, nurses and dieticians who work in the Gastroenterology Department at Great Ormond Street Hospital will be undertaking a team walk in Spring 2025, alongside families. To raise money for the dedicated Gastroenterology ward, Squirrel Ward, where they work. The money raised will help to create a nicer and child-focused environment for children who have serious digestive and gastrointestinal conditions.

Why are we fundraising: Squirrel ward provides a space for children with significant and sometimes life-threatening digestive conditions. Children can spend many months and sometimes years on this ward, which has become increasingly dated. Gastrointestinal conditions have not attracted the same type of charitable donations or corporate funding that other conditions have, so we hope to utilise fundraising to improve the environment for children and their families whilst they receive specialist care. In particular, we aim to use donations to help improve the playroom, provide a dedicated room for teenagers and to develop smaller projects that promote wellbeing.

Many children are admitted to this ward for long periods of time and an improved environment will positively impact those receiving crucial care. Our families tell us that when children are feeling unwell, having a dedicated space to play really can make a big difference. We want these unwell children with gastrointestinal conditions to be able to enter an environment where they feel comfortable, and for the ward areas to feel friendly and welcoming.

Thank you to all our colleagues, friends and family for your support.