OLYMPIC gymnast Max Whitlock has become an official ambassador of a hospital fundraising appeal.

The 21-year-old medallist, who will be soon be competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has thrown his weight behind The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity’s Redevelopment Appeal and performed two routines at the charity’s annual Buttercup Walk around the hospital grounds in June.

Last month Princess Eugenie unveiled some bracelets she had designed for sale to help raise money for the appeal , of which she is patron.

Max was inspired by the positive attitude and determination of his friend, RNOH patient David Holmes, who suffered a life-changing spinal accident while filming a stunt for a Harry Potter film and similarly became an ambassador .

Max said “It is a great honour to be representing the charity’s appeal and I am excited to do all I can to help raise its profile.

“I’ve been privileged to spend time with patients at the Buttercup Walk and hear about the incredible treatment they have received at the RNOH.

“It’s a very special hospital and I am looking forward to working more closely with the charity.”

Max won a bronze medal in the team gymnastics and a bronze medal in the individual pommel horse event at the 2012 London Olympics.

Rosie Stolarski, the director of fundraising and development at The RNOH Charity, added: “Max has achieved incredible sporting success already at such a young age and we are thrilled that he has agreed to become an ambassador.

“I know he will be a real inspiration to our patients, staff and supporters.

“His support will help raise The Charity Appeal’s profile and bring us one step closer to raising money to fund state of the art equipment and new facilities that will help improve the lives of patients at the hospital.”