Manchester MediCinema Appeal Hits Target

The Manchester MediCinema Appeal has officially reached its £1.1m fundraising goal, meaning that Manchester’s first fully accessible in-hospital cinema will now open to patients this summer.

The appeal, which was launched by Andrew and Rachael Flintoff and led by Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) Charity, will provide a state-of-the-art MediCinema for patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary, offering patients and families the chance to enjoy the magic of the movies during long hospital stays.

Now, support from The Peel Group Foundation, has helped bring the appeal over the finish line. The contribution forms part of a new commitment to MFT Charity and builds on Peel’s longstanding support of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

Particular personal significance

The Peel Group Foundation was established by the Whittaker family to support communities connected to Peel Group operations across the North West and beyond. The donation carries particular personal significance following the family’s recent experience at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Last summer, John Peter Whittaker’s nine-year-old daughter, Anna, was seriously injured in a cycling accident and spent several weeks in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital receiving critical care.

The experience showed the family just how important moments of escape and normality can be, and how the MediCinema could be so impactful in helping other patients and families facing long hospital stays.

Delivered in partnership with BAFTA Award-winning charity MediCinema, the new cinema will give patients and families the chance to spend time together away from the ward environment, enjoying the magic of the movies while still receiving the hospital care and support they need.

Fully accessible cinema experience for patients

Once open, the 50-seat MediCinema will provide a fully accessible cinema experience for patients from both Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary. It will have space for wheelchairs, hospital beds and medical equipment and patients will be supported by dedicated MediCinema nurses and specially trained volunteers. The cinema will show a minimum of 260 screenings each year, combining the latest blockbusters alongside much-loved family favourites and old classics.

Construction of the cinema is now approaching completion, with the final phase of fundraising helping support the fit-out before opening to patients later this summer.

We’re proud to support this fantastic appeal

John Peter Whittaker said: “The care Anna received at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was extraordinary, and we will be forever grateful to her surgeon, Mr Craigie, and the incredible staff who supported our family throughout that time.

“We’re proud to support this fantastic appeal and are excited to help make this a reality for patients and families here in Manchester.”

Kate Holland, Head of Peel Group Foundation and Anna’s aunt, said: “We are so pleased to be providing a new commitment to MFT Charity to help children and patients across our community, and the opportunity to help bring the MediCinema to life is a fantastic part of this.” 

Andrew Flintoff said: “The support this appeal has received has been incredible from day one. To now reach our target and know the MediCinema will soon open for patients and families here in Manchester is a really special moment.”

Rachael Flintoff added: “This appeal will make a genuine difference for children and families going through difficult times in hospital, and thanks to the generosity of so many people across Manchester, and beyond, that’s now becoming a reality.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this appeal, whether they’ve donated, taken part in a fundraising activity or personal challenge, or simply helped spread the word.

We can’t wait to see patients and families enjoying the MediCinema

“Every single person has helped us get to this point and we can’t wait to see patients and families enjoying the MediCinema later this year.”

David Walliker, Executive Chief Officer for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“This is a landmark moment for our hospitals and for everyone who has supported the Manchester MediCinema Appeal.

“The generosity shown by our supporters has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are particularly grateful to both the Whittaker family and The Peel Group Foundation for helping us to cross the line.

“We are thrilled that we will be able to welcome the first patients into the cinema this summer and looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come.”

To find out more about Manchester Foundation Trust Charity and the Manchester MediCinema Appeal, visit mftcharity.org.uk.