23 January 2026

NBA Legend Isiah Thomas visited young basketball fans in the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to chat with patients and staff, sign autographs and take selfies.

nba-visit-6.png

Thomas, who played for the Detroit Pistons from 1981-1994, was in the capital for The NBA London Game 2026 presented by Tissot at The O2 on Sunday 18 January.

He visited patients on our teenage and young adult cancer unit, where several NBA fans were delighted to spend time talking to him about his basketball career, as well as their own interests and experiences.

Dr Sara Stoneham, clinical director for children and young people’s services, said,

“This was a fantastic visit for young people receiving treatment in our Cancer Centre. Thank you to Isiah Thomas and the NBA for bringing so much positivity and cheer to our young patients and staff.”

Return to News

Contact the team

Communications Unit
2nd floor central
250 Euston Road
London NW1 2PG

Media enquiries

Email: uclh.media@nhs.net
This inbox is monitored throughout the day and we respond to enquiries as soon as possible.

Out of hours

The normal working hours for the Communications Unit are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. The only media enquiries that will be answered outside of these working hours are urgent enquiries and those relating to major incidents. To access the out-of-hours service, call the switchboard on 020 3456 7890.