Children undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) were given the chance to experience a cherished school tradition when world-renowned photographer Rankin visited the hospital for a special School Photo Day.
Invited by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity), Rankin, best known for photographing celebrities such as Kate Moss and the Rolling Stones, swapped his signature high-fashion style for the classic powder blue school photo backdrop. The initiative aims to provide seriously ill children with a moment of normality and ensure that childhood milestones are not lost due to illness.
The photoshoot is part of GOSH Charity’s mission to ensure that no childhood is lost to serious illness. For many children at the hospital, prolonged treatment means missing out on school experiences, including the time-honoured tradition of a school portrait.
A treasured milestone
A recent survey of UK parents found that 88% believe collecting school photos is important, with more than half (56%) keeping every single one. Additionally, 32% of parents rank their child’s first school photo as a key milestone, placing it ahead of childhood traditions like believing in the tooth fairy (22%) or birthday sleepovers (16%).
Rankin, speaking about the initiative, said:
“I am really proud to be a part of this incredible initiative from GOSH Charity. Meeting the children and their families was truly moving, and I hope these portraits serve as cherished keepsakes. Every child deserves to have their lives and important milestones documented and celebrated.”
Among those photographed was five-year-old Arthur, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just six weeks old. His mother, Jennifer, spoke of how much the opportunity meant to their family.
“Arthur has spent his childhood in and out of GOSH, and it has been really tough watching him miss out on key milestones like school photos. This is his first ever school portrait, and having it taken by Rankin makes it even more special. It’s something I will treasure forever.”
Bringing normality to hospital life
GOSH Charity’s Director of Fundraising, Liz Tait, explained the importance of such initiatives in bringing childhood moments to children undergoing treatment.
“The wonderful staff at GOSH go above and beyond to ensure that seriously ill children can still experience fun and important childhood moments. But it’s inevitable that some milestones will be missed – school photo day being one of them. That’s why we are so pleased to have offered children this special opportunity, with none other than Rankin behind the camera.”
The charity will host another School Photo Day later this week to give more children the chance to take part.
GOSH Charity raises vital funds to support seriously ill children, funding key initiatives including specialist hospital staff, family support services, and pioneering research.
For more information, visit gosh.org.
