Gabriel’s Story

At just 10 days old, Gabriel was admitted to Neptune Ward at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where he spent a month. To celebrate his first birthday, Gabriel’s parents Harriet and Sami Kassam raised more than £4,000 for Neptune Ward, along with a generous donation of toys for the playroom worth almost £1,000.

‘Gabriel spent his first month on Neptune Ward at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, so it will always be special to us. It is filled with amazing nurses and doctors, who really helped us get through those frightening first few weeks. It is a testament to their caring spirit that when we asked them what we could do for them to mark Gabey’s birthday, they immediately suggested helping the children in their care by bringing a bit more fun to their stay.

‘Play therapists and playrooms in hospitals provide a bit of respite from what can otherwise be a tedious, frustrating and worrying time. Half an hour doing some crafts or playing with toys can distract the children and give parents an essential break to get a coffee or take a shower.

‘This fundraiser was our way of giving back, saying thank you to the many people who helped us, and hopefully bringing some joy to the little ones still on the Neptune Ward.’