Thinking of Oscar

15/06/2026

Over the few years, Thinking of Oscar has partnered with the wonderful team at Smileyscope to help bring immersive virtual reality experiences into children's hospitals across the UK, supporting children through blood tests, scans, rehabilitation and other potentially distressing procedures.

Today, we're delighted to share our latest Smileyscope Impact Report, which captures some of the stories, experiences and outcomes that have been made possible thanks to the people who continue to fundraise, donate and support Thinking of Oscar.

The results speak for themselves. Clinical teams reported that:

• 95% found Smileyscope highly effective at reducing procedural distress
• 90% reported a positive impact on children during procedures
• 80% reported effectiveness in avoiding medication during procedures
• 100% reported reduced anxiety during repeated procedures

Among the many stories featured in the report is that of a child who required repeated blood tests and IV treatment during a prolonged hospital stay. Using Smileyscope's underwater experience, he became so absorbed in exploring the sea life around him that, on several occasions, he was genuinely surprised when nurses told him the procedure had already finished.

The report also includes examples of children avoiding general anaesthetic for MRI scans, reducing the need for restraint during procedures, and gaining the confidence to engage in rehabilitation following major surgery.

It is a powerful reminder that innovation is not just about technology. It is about creating better experiences for children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Thinking of Oscar and helped make initiatives like this possible, and to the wonderful team at Smileyscope and our partner hospitals who continue to champion innovation that puts children first.

📄 Full impact report available via the link below 👇

The Smileyscope headset are virtual reality (VR) goggles that take children out of the sterile hospital environment and transport them into a colourful underwater world.

30/05/2026

💛💙 This year’s Blenheim Palace Triathlon is another special one.......🏊🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏅

On 6–7 June, our founders Hannah Cole and David Cole will once again be taking part in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon to raise money for Thinking of Oscar.

This year, for the first time, their daughter Holly (15) will be joining them.

Holly was three and a half when Oscar died in 2014 and has grown up alongside the charity ever since.

Over the years, more than 200 people have taken part in the Blenheim Palace Triathlon for Thinking of Oscar, raising over £400,000 to support projects that improve the experiences of children and families in hospital care.

That support has helped fund projects including vein finder technology, distraction and play technologies, simulation and training programmes for clinicians, and digital tools to improve communication and support for families.

We're also working on a number of new initiatives to raise awareness and funding for children's health, while continuing to support children and families during their time in hospital.

A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part, donated, volunteered or stood on the sidelines cheering us on over the years.

If you'd like to support us this year, we'd be very grateful.

Thank you 💛💙

https://www.justgiving.com/page/cole-too-2026