Bells rung in memory of 253 children lost to cancer every year
Bells rung in memory of 253 children lost to cancer every year
In a deeply moving tribute, our bells chimed throughout the morning, with families who have lost a child to cancer given the chance to ring in their memory.
For many families facing a cancer diagnosis, the end of treatment bell at Great Ormond Street Hospital is a powerful milestone, signifying hope, progress and the start of a new chapter. But tragically, too many children never reach that milestone. Together with GOSH, we gave families whose children didn’t get a chance to ring the bell the opportunity to pay a heartfelt tribute to their child’s life.
The moving ceremony began at 8.30am with the ringing of Great Tom, the bell that chimes to mark the deaths of monarchs and statespeople. Families who have lost children to cancer then rang our bells throughout the morning.
A striking installation of 253 colourful butterfly sculptures – each representing a child lost to cancer – was installed on Millennium Bridge, encircling St Paul’s and serving as a poignant reminder that cancer is still the biggest killer of children aged one to 14 in the UK.
Gabi Field, Deputy Director of Public Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said:
“The end of treatment bell is a powerful symbol of hope for many children and families at GOSH, as well as those facing a cancer diagnosis across the country. Yet, for too many, that moment never comes.
“By ringing the bells of St Paul’s throughout the morning, we are honouring the children lost to cancer each year, giving them the recognition they deserve, and ensuring they are not forgotten.
“The visual display of the beautiful butterfly artwork on the Millennium Bridge will serve as a poignant reminder of the hundreds of children diagnosed each year and the urgent need for the new Children’s Cancer Centre, a place that will offer pioneering care and help give children the best chance, and best childhood possible.”
Two-year-old Orla was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare cancerous brain tumour, in September 2022 after falling ill on holiday. She underwent multiple surgeries and months of chemotherapy at GOSH, spending her second birthday and Christmas on the ward, but sadly passed away in August 2023. Her family was among those at St Paul’s, ringing the bell in Orla’s memory.
Adam, Orla’s Dad, said:
“Standing in St Paul’s and ringing the bell for Orla was incredibly emotional. Orla was so amazing, beautiful, brave and endured so much for someone so young, and we carry her spirit with us every day. To be able to stand here in St Paul's Cathedral, ringing the bell for her alongside others who have faced the same loss, is so important and such a special way of remembering our beautiful girl, reminding the world that she lived and that she will never be forgotten.”
The Revd Philip Banks, our Canon Precentor said:
“Great Tom has tolled to mark numerous significant moments in our nation’s history. So today we are deeply honoured that it is chiming to mark Childhood's Cancer Awareness Month, and that bereaved families will chime bells in the North West Tower in memory of their children. We pray that this will provide these families with an opportunity to reflect and to remember, and that there will be a future when every child facing a cancer diagnosis can have the chance to ring their own end of treatment bell.”
All images courtesy of PA Media/GOSH Charity