In a heartwarming turn of events, the staff at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool are beaming with pride as the charity responsible for their in-house cinema cinched a prestigious Bafta award. A well-deserved recognition for the outstanding impact this cinematic initiative has had on the lives of young patients and their families.
The national charity MediCinema brought the magic of movies to Alder Hey in November, and since then, over 50 screenings have been held, welcoming more than 300 families through its doors. The head of fundraising at the hospital, Cath Harding, expressed her delight at the transformative effect the cinema has had on the hospital’s young occupants.
Describing the cinema as a “game changer,” Harding emphasized the joy and respite it brings to children facing the challenges of being in the hospital. “It puts a smile on their face and provides that little bit of magic that we like to do at Alder Hey,” she shared warmly.
With a seating capacity for 34 youngsters and their families, the cinema was made possible through collaborative fundraising efforts between Alder Hey Children’s Charity and MediCinema. Harding underscored the significance of this facility in offering a semblance of normalcy and escape for patients and their families during what can be an emotionally taxing period.
“It enables them to immerse themselves into another world away from hospital, which is really important for mental health emotional wellbeing,” Harding noted, highlighting the therapeutic value of such an experience in alleviating the stress and anxiety often associated with hospital stays.
For many of the children, the cinema experience was a first-time affair, marking a milestone that brought sheer delight and wonder. “The smile on their faces is a joy to see,” Harding remarked, emphasizing the profound impact such simple pleasures can have on those going through challenging times.
Established in 1999, MediCinema has been a beacon of hope and joy for hospital patients across the UK, with cinemas operating in hospitals in London, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Newport. The success of the cinema at Alder Hey stands as a testament to the power of cinematic escapism in brightening the lives of those in need.
As the children’s hospital basks in the glow of this unexpected award win, the future looks ever brighter for the young patients whose days are made a little brighter by the silver screen magic right within the hospital walls.
For more inspiring stories and updates, stay tuned to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the incredible work being done by MediCinema to bring the joy of cinema to those who need it most. Join us in celebrating this heartwarming achievement that underscores the importance of bringing moments of joy and respite to those facing adversity.
