YouTube star DanTDM has made headlines once again, this time for his heartfelt gesture aimed at brightening the lives of young patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London. With his gaming passion and philanthropic spirit, Dan, whose real name is Dan Middleton, donated £310,000 to fund 120 medical-grade gaming carts, allowing children undergoing treatment to engage with their favorite video games and connect with friends.
Known for his engaging gameplay videos and with more than 32 million subscribers across his channels, DanTDM's donation promises not just state-of-the-art gaming equipment but also significant emotional support for the children at GOSH. The hospital serves as one of the United Kingdom's leading pediatric hospitals, providing care for young patients with various life-threatening illnesses.
During his recent visit to GOSH, Dan had the opportunity to meet some of the children benefitting from these new gaming carts. One memorable encounter was with 12-year-old Josh, who has been receiving treatment for cystic fibrosis since birth. Their interaction was marked by laughter and excitement as they played FIFA together—Josh could scarcely believe he was gaming with someone whose online influence reaches millions. "I can’t believe I just played FIFA with someone who has 29 million followers on YouTube! It’s definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done," exclaimed Josh.
Gaming serves as much more than just entertainment for kids like Josh; it acts as a lifeline during difficult times. Due to his treatment, which can involve long hospital stays, Josh often faces restrictions, such as not being able to socialize with other children or engage in sports. "Gaming has really helped Josh throughout his hospital experience and has been invaluable in making the time go quicker," said his mother, Becky.
Becky is thrilled about the new gaming carts, noting their dual purpose of providing enjoyable distractions and making the hospital feel less isolative for her son and others like him. She shared insights on how gaming keeps Josh connected with his friends even when he's confined to his hospital room, stating, "It can feel 'no different from home' if Josh is able to play on a call with his friends."
DanTDM's donation is managed through TheRockinR charity, which specializes in providing such gaming solutions for young patients across the UK. The gaming carts are medically approved, addressing concerns of infection control, making them safe for use by multiple children within hospital settings. Dan expressed his hope, saying, "Being young and in hospital shouldn’t stop you having access to community; if anything, it becomes more important and I’m extremely proud to be able to help GOSH."
This initiative is particularly significant as it enhances the hospital experience for those who are unable to engage with conventional forms of entertainment during their treatment. The technology allows kids to experience gaming as they usually would, with the added joy of being able to invite siblings and friends to participate from their own rooms, fostering social interaction. Dan enthused about witnessing the joy these carts bring, stating, "Every kid we went to see had one and was obsessed over it. They love them so it was really nice to see them being used naturally."
For many children at GOSH, the gaming carts offer not only fun but also therapeutic effects, helping them to escape from their medical struggles for short periods. Aoife Regan, director of charitable programs at GOSH Charity, noted, "Gaming can help children express themselves, to get away from the difficult challenges of long-term illness, and to continue to experience childhood, even when they’re in hospital. We’re so grateful to DanTDM for taking the time to visit and spend time gaming with them."
Through this generous donation and his visit, DanTDM has had the chance to directly impact the lives of young patients, creating shared moments of joy, laughter, and connection. For the children at GOSH, who often feel isolated during their treatment, the hope is for not only entertainment but also the knowledge they aren't alone; there are networks of support and communities willing to rally around them.
It’s heartening to see public figures like Dan using their platforms to effect positive change, and GOSH patients certainly appreciate his efforts. Efforts like these remind us of the power of kindness and generosity, even from afar. It’s more than just about gaming; it’s about bringing light to those facing dark times.
