Work has begun on Great Ormond Street Hospital’s new £300 million child cancer centre in central London.
The world-leading new facility will care for youngsters with some of the most complex conditions and support every aspect of care for them and their families, from diagnosis to remission.
Two years ago, GOSH Charity launched its biggest-ever fundraising appeal, called “Build it. Beat it”.
On Tuesday, the project reached a pivotal moment with the start of construction on the hospital’s Guilford Street site.
At a “breaking ground” event, hospital CEO Mat Shaw was joined on stage for the key milestone by GOSH Charity chief executive Louise Parkes, health minister Ashley Dalton and principal donor John Grayken, alongside other supporters and representatives from long-time partners Premier Inn and Omaze.
Earlier this year, Labour MP Ms Dalton revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time.
She said: “The hospital is a symbol of what we can achieve when we combine the excellence of our NHS people, innovative technologies, ground-breaking treatment and world-class research.
“As someone living with cancer myself, I know how terrifying a diagnosis can be - and when it happens to our children, that's unimaginable.
“These families deserve a government that's backing them every step of the way, which is why we've relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce and will ensure children’s cancer is at the forefront of our Plan for Change.”
Mrs Parkes said: “When we launched our Build it. Beat it. campaign, it felt like a huge mountain to climb, but what more compelling cause could we have than a brand-new children's cancer centre here at Great Ormond Street - hugely ambitious but also, as you've heard, so needed and so essential.
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“Over the last few years, it has been utterly inspiring to see the UK and international communities unite around our common goal to build the world-leading Children's Cancer Centre and help beat childhood cancer.”
After four months of demolition, building contractor Sisk will now start construction. The new facility is forecast to be completed in 2028.
GOSH Charity has already raised £186m out of £300m towards the new centre.