Our MediCinema Appeal has reached another major milestone, with £788,000 now raised towards its £1.1 million target – bringing the city’s first in-hospital cinema significantly closer to opening its doors.

Fronted by Andrew and Rachael Flintoff, our Appeal will transform an unused lecture theatre at Manchester Royal Infirmary into a fully accessible, 50-seat MediCinema. Once complete, the cinema will benefit patients in both Manchester Royal Infirmary and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

The £788,000 milestone marks substantial progress in the Appeal’s journey, with building works now continuing to move forward. Specialist adaptations will ensure the cinema can safely accommodate hospital beds, wheelchairs and medical equipment, creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for patients and their families.

When operational, the MediCinema is expected to screen up to 260 films each year. Supported by trained MediCinema nurses and volunteers, screenings will offer patients moments of normality, escape, and time away from the ward with loved ones, during long or frequent hospital stays.

The Appeal has already attracted widespread support from individuals, schools, community groups and businesses, alongside well-known figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment, most recently including comedian and BRIT Awards host, Jack Whitehall.

Jack, who is set to host the BRITs at the Co-op Live this weekend, is travelling to Manchester early especially to headline an exclusive charity comedy gig tonight at the Frog & Bucket. All proceeds from the ‘Jack Whitehall and Friends’ gig will go directly to the MediCinema Appeal, further boosting the funds available to make the cinema a reality.

Rachael Flintoff, who has been instrumental in driving the Appeal forward, said: “The continued generosity we’re seeing is incredible. This Appeal has always been about people coming together to make a difference and I’m so grateful not only to Jack for offering to do this, but also to Jessica and the team at the Frog & Bucket and the other acts on tonight’s line up (Hayley Ellis, Stephen Bailey, and Dan Nightingale) who have all donated their time for free.

“To get to £788,000 proves what’s possible when everyone comes together, and now we just need one final push to make the MediCinema a reality for patients in Manchester hospitals.”

Kathy Cowell CBE DL, Chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To have reached £788,000 is a remarkable achievement and I want to sincerely thank every individual, business, school and community group that has supported the Appeal so far.

“This milestone brings us another step closer to creating a space that will provide comfort, distraction and a chance for our patients and their families to spend time together away from the ward.

“The impact of this cinema will go far, far beyond entertainment. It will offer moments of relief, togetherness and normality at times when they are needed most.

“As we enter this final phase of the Appeal, every single donation, no matter its size, will help us open the doors sooner and start delivering those vital moments of movie magic for our patients.  Please, in whatever way you can, show your support today and help us make this happen.”