Star Wars veteran Mark Hamill took time out from his busy promotion schedule to hand out Christmas gifts to sick kids at a hospital in London.

The actor, who plays Luke Skywalker in the sci-fi franchise, met patients and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital while he was in the British capital to promote new movie Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

Hamill, who handed out Star Wars gifts to the youngsters on the wards, reveals he chose to visit the hospital instead of appearing on a UK chat show with his castmates during promotional duties for the new film.

"One of the greatest things I am given, because of the profession I am in, is the ability to give back," he tells the London Evening Standard. "It feels wonderful. It can be harrowing emotionally because your heart goes out to these children but it's also very uplifting. You walk away thinking that being an actor is so trivial compared to helping needy children... Rather than going on TV chat shows I would rather give back somehow by going to hospitals. I want to do more of that."

Hamill has thrown his support behind a Christmas campaign to raise money for improvements at the hospital, and is urging fans to give what they can to help.
"It's good for the soul to give, even the smallest amount. It's the perfect example of basic humanity..." he adds.

Other stars to have backed the fundraising drive for Great Ormond Street Hospital include Johnny Depp, whose daughter received life-saving treatment at the facility, David Beckham, and Sir Elton John. (LR/WNE/ZN)

PHOTO: Euan Cherry/WENN.com; SCREENCAP: Star Wars