But the children in the wards at Great Ormond Street have had “a super special day” having their own ‘school photo’ taken — by world-famous celebrity photographer Rankin.
The man best known for snapping stars from Kate Moss to the Rolling Stones was invited by the hospital’s ‘Gosh’ charity invited to capture the occasion.
“Hearing about the children’s experiences was incredibly moving,” Rankin said. “I hope the ‘school photo’ day provides their families with nostalgic keepsakes.
“Every child deserves to have important milestones documented with cherished reminders to make sure their childhood isn’t lost by serious illness.”
The 58-year-old celebrity snapper and film director swapped his signature white background for the classic powder blue backdrop to give the youngsters the full ‘school photo’ experience.
Among those he photographed was five-year-old Arthur, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was six weeks old.
His mum Jennifer revealed: “Arthur has spent his childhood in and out of this hospital. It’s been really tough watching him miss out on special milestones like having his school picture taken.
“Not being at school for a couple of weeks affects his friendships and his education. But it really means the world to me that Arthur had his first ever ‘school photo’ taken by Rankin, something I’ll treasure forever.”
The hospital’s charity organisation has helped make sure Arthur and the other children don’t miss out on “those childhood moments that matter most”.
The photoshoot was planned as “a moment of normality” during their time in hospital.
The charity’s fundraising director Liz Tait said: “The hospital makes sure children experience as many important childhood moments as possible. But it’s inevitable that some moments will be missed — school photo day being one of them.
“So our ‘school photo’ day means families have a keepsake to treasure for years to come. No childhood should be lost to illness.”
The idea came from a survey that found one-in-three parents opted for school photos of their children growing up as their prized possession.
The first school photo day is a childhood milestone, the nationwide poll found — even more important than birthday sleepovers.
