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Jamie Cullum visits the Young Person's Unit

Jamie Cullum visits the Young Person's Unit

Patients on the Young Person's Unit had a fantastic day when singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum visited the ward and joined in with the workshops. Jamie came to University College Hospital to see the work of play specialists and activities volunteers with patients on the children and young people's wards. He met Activity Co-ordinator Fiona Eva, who work is funded by a grant that was secured by UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation from BBC Children in Need, and Spread a Smile volunteers.

Jamie Cullum released BBC Children in Need's official single for 2018, 'Love Is In The Picture.' Jamie wrote the single especially for BBC Children in Need to celebrate and embrace the charity and the children it works to support. 

Jamie Cullum said of his visit 'I visited two projects funded by BBC Children in Need, both of which work tirelessly to bring smiles and a sense of normalcy to children and young people. It's an absolute privilege to have been asked to provide a song for the 2018 BBC Children in Need campaign. I hope it goes on to raise money for more projects like those I visited.'

The official BBC Children in Need single has an extensive history and, as the official artist behind the 2018 release, Jamie has joined a long line of celebrated performers including Katie Melua, Craig David, Jess Glynne, Gareth Malone's All Star Choir, Ellie Goulding and Girls Aloud. All profits from the single go to the charity, with a minimum of 40p from each single sale.

BBC Children in Need currently funds 2,700 projects supporting disadvantaged children and young people in communities across the UK.

UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation benefits from a three-year grant to fund an Activity Co-ordinator who provides workshops and support services to children and young people based on the Young Person's Unit at University College Hospital. By providing a myriad of activities and workshops young people are positively empowered, are supported to better manage their feelings and have improved life skills for the future.

UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation are very grateful for the support of BBC Children in Need, and Fiona Eva says 'I'd like to say thank you to BBC Children in Need for giving me this fantastic opportunity to work with a great team providing support to vulnerable young people who inspire me daily.'

A huge thank you to Jamie Cullum for visiting the Young Person's Unit and meeting patients and staff. It was a wonderful day that will bring smiles to faces for a long time to come.