Press Release: THURSDAY 14 MAY WILL BAYLEY MBE DESIGNS ‘RAINBOW FACEMASKS’ TO RAISE MONEY FOR GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Will Bayley, Paralympic gold-medalist and Strictly Come Dancing star has joined forces with Head Designer on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, Vicky Gill, and clothing manufacturer DSI London, to create a washable facemask for the public to buy to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity).

Personally designed by Will, the mask features his signature alongside a rainbow – which has become a symbol of hope throughout the UK lockdown – and goes on sale in the week that the Government encouraged the public to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces.

The Rainbow Facemasks can be bought for £9 from the DSI London website. All the profits from the sales of Rainbow Facemasks will be donated to GOSH Charity’s COVID-19 appeal which will help to fund both the hospital’s most urgent needs now and support its vital work once this crisis is over. This might include funding specialist medical equipment, COVID-19 research projects, staff welfare services or direct support for patients and their families.

Will has his own personal connection to GOSH, having been treated at the hospital when he was seven years old for the blood cancer non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Will also underwent surgery at GOSH for a genetic condition, arthrogryposis.

Talking about supporting GOSH Charity, Will said: “When I was a child GOSH saved my life – and many times over the past few weeks I have thought about all those children being treated at the hospital and what a uniquely terrifying time this must be for them. I wanted to do something special that not only helped to raise money for GOSH Charity, but also created a symbol of hope for those children being cared for there. I’ve experienced the brilliant care at GOSH first-hand and know what a difference the money will make – please do buy one of my masks today and help the Charity support other seriously ill children during this time.”

Louise Parkes, Chief Executive at GOSH Charity, said: “Since the beginning of this crisis, the rainbow has been a symbol of hope for the nation – Will is now bringing that hope to children being treated at GOSH with his unique creation. This will help us raise money to support the hospital during this critical time and beyond and for that I want to say a massive thank you.”

The cotton-based, washable facemasks are not medically certified and not designed for use in medical settings.

For more information or to buy a Rainbow Facemask, please visit dsi-london.com/will-bayley-signature-rainbow-face-mask.html

For any media enquiries, please contact:

Grace Waters, Senior Press Officer

Grace.waters@gosh.org / 020 3841 3237

Katie Higgie, Press Officer

Katie.higgie@gosh.org / 020 3841 3038

Notes to editors About Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity: Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give seriously ill children, the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the most up to date medical equipment, funds support services for children and their families and supports the essential rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org