Watford fan, 12, with cystic fibrosis meets YouTube's DanTDM

DanTDM, who has more than 32 million followers across his YouTube channels, funded 120 TheRockinR medical grade gaming carts with a £310,000 donation to the children’s hospital.

During a visit, Dan (real name Dan Middleton) met some of the children on Leopard Ward, which is a section of the hospital for children and young people with respiratory problems, including Josh who is a fellow gamer and Watford season ticket holder.

Josh with his mum, Becky, at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road ground (Image: Gosh Charity/PA) The pair drew 1-1 in a virtual game of football.

“We didn’t get to finish the game but I’m glad we stopped the game there as I think I would have been in trouble,” Middleton said.

Josh, 12, said: “I can’t believe I just played Fifa with someone who has 29 million followers on YouTube.

Middleton and Josh’s Fifa game ended 1-1 (Image: Gosh Charity/PA) “It’s definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”

Josh has been under Great Ormond Street Hopsital's (GOSH) care since soon after his birth.

He receives treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) – a genetic condition which can result in recurrent chest infections and the build-up of thick mucus, particularly in the lungs and digestive system.

Risk of infection means he cannot socialise with other children during hospital visits so gaming keeps him entertained when his schoolwork is done.

(Image: Gosh Charity/PA)

By funding the gaming carts, which alleviate any infection control concerns around gaming equipment, Middleton hopes to help children distract themselves during hospital stays.

Josh’s mum, Becky, said the antibiotic treatment means Josh cannot play sport for two weeks and will miss PE – his favourite lesson at school – so gaming is a welcome distraction.

Middleton described the medical-grade gaming carts as ‘really cool’ . (Image: Gosh Charity/PA) “Gaming has really helped Josh throughout his hospital experience and has been invaluable in making the time go quicker,” the 43-year-old said.

“While at Gosh, he’s socially isolated from his school friends so being able to stay connected is so important.”

She said it can feel “no different from home” if Josh is able to play while on a call with his friends.

Josh and brother Theo at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium. (Image: Gosh Charity/PA)

Gaming also gives Josh some “common ground” with his seven-year-old brother, Theo, she said.

Becky, ITV production executive from Watford, said it was “really exciting” to meet Middleton, adding: “It’s really kind of him to take the time to come and meet us in person.

“Josh tried to act cool which was quite funny.

Josh and his younger brother Theo. (Image: Gosh Charity/PA)

“Afterwards he was a little bit starstruck.”

She added: “We feel very privileged to have access to this new equipment; it will make a real difference to children, like Josh, who are isolated whilst undergoing treatment in hospital.

“It’s things like this that make Gosh the magical place it is.”

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Becky said Josh is quite stable at the moment but goes into hospital for a few days twice a year for intravenous antibiotics.

She said: “He’s not a particularly sickly child.

“Sport is really important to children with CF and he is incredibly sporty.”