The campaign aims to raise enough money to build a MediCinema in Manchester
Freddie Flintoff backed a campaign to raise £1.1M to build a cinema at a Manchester hospital(Image: PA)
Several major companies have supported the Freddie Flintoff-backed campaign to raise money to build a cinema for Manchester hospitals. The Manchester MediCinema Appeal is a £1.1m fundraising campaign to build an in-hospital cinema inside Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI).
When built, the MediCinema will benefit patients at both MRI and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH). In a video message launching the appeal, which has now been backed by Wayne and Colleen Rooney, Freddie Flintoff said it will be ‘almost like a Christmas present for Manchester’.
This is the proposed MediCinema design(Image: MRI)
Launching the campaign on Monday (December 1), Top Gear presenter Mr Flintoff said: “I’m delighted to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal, which will bring the magic of movies to children and adults in hospital right here in the city. Some patients are in hospital for months, even years, which makes a simple trip to the cinema impossible. This MediCinema will change that for thousands of patients every single year – being able to enjoy a film with their family really will mean the world.
The £1.1m Appeal will ensure the cinema is delivered at no cost to the NHS. The purpose-built facility will host around 260 screenings per year, giving thousands of patients annually, including seriously ill children, the chance to experience the comfort, connection, and distraction that only film can provide during long hospital stays. The cinema will also enable patients to create treasured memories with their families, while offering a much-needed sense of normality and respite during treatment.
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The Appeal has already attracted backing from several leading companies, including:
- CPase Health Club
- Glossy Magazine
- JMW Solicitors
- Kellogg’s
- Manchester Basketball
- OBI
- Paramount Global
- PG Tips
- The Savoy Cinema
- The Trafford Centre
- Village Hotels
And the charity is now encouraging more organisations to support the Appeal and help reach the £1.1m target by Christmas.
Rachel Laycock, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: “Manchester’s business community has always stepped up for our hospitals, and the MediCinema Appeal is a chance for companies to make a meaningful, lasting difference for our patients and families.
This is the MediCinema at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool(Image: Getty Images for Disney UK)
“A contribution of any size will help bring us closer to creating a unique space that will transform the hospital experience for our patients for years to come. We’re incredibly grateful to the organisations already backing the appeal and we’re calling on more businesses to get involved.”
Sophie Mundin, Company Director from The Manero Cinema Group, which includes the Savoy Cinema in Stockport and one of the first organisations to join the Appeal, said: “We’re proud to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal and help spread the word to our audiences. By showcasing the Appeal in our cinemas, we hope to encourage local people to get involved and help create a truly special space where patients can enjoy the magic of film, even when in hospital.”
Amy Duignan, Head of HR at Lipton and PG Tips’ Trafford Park site, said: “We’re thrilled to support the Manchester MediCinema Appeal by sponsoring the charity’s Christmas carol concert, Carols in the City. We’re proud to help make this state-of-the-art cinema a reality for Manchester patients. We hope our contribution inspires others to get involved and help create special moments for those who need it most.”
To donate, text CINEMA and your chosen amount (up to £20) to 70580 or visit Manchester Foundation Trust Charity’s website to give any amount.