Flintoff Brings Cinema ‘Magic’ to Manchester Hospital | BBC News

“`html

Manchester is poised to get a little more magic, thanks to a fundraising effort led by celebrities Freddie and Rachael Flintoff.A proposed in-hospital cinema at Manchester Royal Infirmary aims to bring the joy of film to patients and their families, offering a unique escape during challenging times.

A Cinema for comfort and Care

The £1.1 million campaign will create a 50-seat medicinema, a first for the city, providing a haven for those undergoing treatment.

• The proposed cinema will be built within Manchester Royal Infirmary.
• The fundraising goal is £1.1 million to create a 50-seat theatre.
• MediCinema, the charity behind the project, has successfully built similar facilities at other NHS hospitals.
• The cinema will offer inclusive screenings, including options for wheelchair access and sensory needs.

Rachael Flintoff shared that the response to the campaign has been “incredible,” highlighting the community’s eagerness to support the cause. She emphasized that the cinema will offer more than just movie screenings, wiht potential previews of Disney films and opportunities for young patients to meet costumed characters. “The magic of film will help those going through some extremely tough times,” she said.

Getty Images

Rachael Flintoff said the response to their campaign had been ‘incredible’

Meanwhile, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, the impact of an existing MediCinema is already being felt. Dr. Fiona Reynolds, a consultant pediatrician, described the MediCinema as “amazing,” noting its ability to bring joy “through the power of the movies to our children, young people and their families, some of whom can be at Alder hey for long periods.” He emphasized the importance of allowing patients to “escape their room and have a day out to the cinema with friends and family, whilst still receiving vital clinical care.”

Fiona Ashcroft, chief executive officer of the hospital charity, added that the cinema will serve as “a sanctuary of joy and a much-needed escape for our children, young people, and their families during challenging times.” The facility is expected to screen up to 260 films annually,supported by trained volunteers,and will offer personalized screenings for patients requiring extra sensitivity.

Manchester Foundation Trust Charity

A computer-generated image shows what Manchester’s first in-hospital cinema would look like