Games are an essential part of Chanukah fun, but play is even more important when a child is seriously ill.

Our Play team provides care that goes beyond the medical needs of each child, providing an opportunity for children to work through any emotions and worries they have about being in hospital.

Every donation counts

Over 600 children arrive at GOSH every day from across the country: they are some of the bravest young people you could ever meet. GOSH is a place where the brightest minds come together to achieve pioneering medical breakthroughs that change the lives of thousands of children and change the world. Every pound you make will fund our vital Play team and make a difference to the children at GOSH.

£36 could buy a set of sensory balls with exciting textures and eye-catching colours to stimulate childrens senses.

£200 funds a clever bunny toy that helps the Play team explain medical procedures, like blood tests and intravenous drips. These toys help prepare children for procedures through play, building their confidence and easing anxiety.

£647 could pay for everything a Play team member needs for one week, including toys and training.

Get Involved

If you're inspired to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of children every day, we've created some festive Chanukah fundraising guides packed with ideas for families, schools and synagogues.

Please donate directly to the appeal through Just Giving, share it with your friends, or visit our website to plan your own Chanukah fundraising event.

Meet Kieran

When Kieran (pictured above) was admitted for surgery at GOSH, his mum, Louise, and dad, David, had to stay with him in hospital as he had a bad reaction to anaesthetic. Luckily, the Play team was on hand to help with Kieran's recovery.

David says: "Within the hospital there's an activity centre and it seems to have everything a child could need to play. From arts and crafts to gaming - you name it, it has it. One of the Play team spent hours with Kieran just building something with him and keeping him distracted from the pain medication button and the drip attached to his arm."

For the family, Chanukah is a holiday filled with tasty food, lighting candles and special time together.

"As a family, the eight days of Chanukah is eight presents from the small to the large," says David. "It's latkes and doughnuts, and it's also an excuse to be together as a family and gather round the menorah to sing."

The Play team bring light into the lives of thousands of children and their families, helping them to be together at this special time: with your support, they can continue to do their essential and amazing work.

Chanukah sameach!

Your kind donation will be used to fund our Play team. In the event that funds are received over and above what we are able to allocate to Play, we reserve the right to redirect funds for use against the charitys general charitable purposes, prioritised for wherever there is the most need.