An Olympic, World and Commonwealth medal-winning gymnast visited the children’s ward of a hospital.

Max Whitlock visited the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), in Stanmore, this week to meet young patients undergoing specialist care.

Mr Whitlock is also an ambassador for the RNOH Charity Redevelopment Appeal, which aims to raise £15 million for new equipment and facilities at the hospital, which will be undergoing a £90 million redevelopment.

He said: “I am 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.”

Rosie Stolarski, director of fundraising for the hospital appeal, said: “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 Team GB gymnast has also been nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year award after winning five medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a silver medal at this year’s World Championships.

The winner of the BBC award will be announced at a ceremony tomorrow evening in Glasgow.