Commonwealth Games hero Max Whitlock makes a surprise visit to the children's ward

Posted by Vicky Brady on 11 December 2014

Olympic, World and Commonwealth medal winning gymnast, Max Whitlock visits the hospital to give our young patients a special surprise.

Max, who has also been nominated for the BBC’s Sports Perrsonality of the Year award after winning five medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a silver medal at this year’s World Championships, was announced earlier this year as an Ambassador for the RNOH Charity Redevelopment Appeal. He spent time on the ward speaking with young patients, some of whom will be spending their Christmas on the ward.                                                                                                                                                          

Max Whitlock RNOH Charity Redevelopment Appeal Ambassador, said: “Iam really pleased to visit the RNOH today and meet these young brave patients. I’ve been fortunate to spend time with a number of patients and hear their inspiring stories; they all talk about the incredible treatment they have received at the RNOH.”

Max decided to become an Ambassador for the charity after being inspired by the positive attitude and determination of RNOH patient and friend David Holmes, former stuntman to Daniel Radcliffe.

Max also announced the winners of the Great RNOH Weight-Off Challenge. The challenge began in early October and gave competitors six weeks to get fit for Christmas. Entrants battled it out to raise the most money for our Redevelopment Appeal while also competing to lose the most weight before the grand weigh-in on 8 December.  Nearly £2,500 has been raised so far as part of the competition, with more money expected to roll in over the coming weeks as the scales are tallied.

Max continued:

“I’m also delighted to announce the winners of the Great RNOH Weight-Off Challenge –initiatives like this are vital in helping the charity raise funds so the RNOH can continue to provide outstanding care and treatment.”

Rosie Stolarski, Director of Fundraising and Development at The RNOH Charity, added: “It was very moving to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they met one of the nation’s sporting heroes. It was a wonderful treat for them all just as Christmas approaches.

The Great RNOH Weight-Off Challenge has also been a fantastic competition that has helped create a great atmosphere amongst our staff. Teams have been able to shed a few extra pounds before Christmas – both physically and financially!

I’m really pleased that Max has been able to join us today to visit children ahead of Christmas and to announce the winner of our competition – it is brilliant to have such a committed Ambassador.”

The Great RNOH Weight-Off Challenge saw four winners prizes awarded. These were: Best team name (as picked by Max), Biggest team fundraiser, Biggest individual loser and Biggest team loser. The health kick from the weight-off is also set to continue – with fitness boot camps and well-being classes scheduled to continue into the New Year.