Patients cheered by X Factor winner

The contestant from the 2010 series turned up at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, which was celebrating 10 years since it opened its doors to patients.

The performer might remember the hospital – he was a patient there at the age of two.

The singer made the patients’ day after visiting wards and meeting sick children, their families and staff members.

They also enjoyed birthday cake as part of a year of celebrations.

Cardle, 28, said: “I am really proud of all the good work Bristol Children’s Hospital has done over the years.

“When I was two years old the hospital treated me for Wilm’s tumour, which was a solid kidney tumour.

“I had a kidney removed and underwent chemotherapy for six months. I am eternally grateful for the care and attention I received at the hospital.”

He met Dr Jacqueline Cornish, head of division of women’s and children’s services, who treated him for six months in 1985 for the tumour.

She then followed him up regularly in the outpatient department until his family moved to Essex.

Dr Cornish said: “It was lovely to see Matt and his family again. He was such a little boy of only two years when we first looked after him, and he was really stoic about his treatment, which was not pleasant.

“It has been lovely to follow him over the years and watch his progress as he grew up into being a young man.”