Our Christmas Appeal
Bring the Magic of the Movies to Our Patients
The Therapeutic Power of Cinema
Every year, many thousands of patients are admitted to our Oxford Road Campus hospitals. For many, long or repeated hospital stays can lead to feelings of isolation, stress and worry – not only for our patients but also for their loved ones.
We want to change that by creating a purpose-built MediCinema inside Manchester Royal Infirmary, at no cost to the NHS. Delivered in partnership with BAFTA Award-winning charity MediCinema, this fully accessible, 50-seat cinema will support patients from across Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, as well as Manchester Royal Infirmary itself.
With room for wheelchairs, hospital beds, and medical equipment, and supported by dedicated MediCinema nurses and trained volunteers, it will offer 260 screenings a year of the latest releases alongside much loved film favourites.
Please support our appeal today and bring the magic of the movies to patients in our hospitals.
Show your support
There are so many ways that you can help us to make our MediCinema Appeal a reality
Fundraise your way
You can choose to take on any kind of fundraising in support of our MediCinema appeal, and we’re here to help!
Corporate fundraising
Could your business help us give patients the joy of cinema? There are so many ways you can get involved.
Bring joy to our young patients
Marley – Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital patient
Two-year-old Marley has epilepsy, significant feeding difficulties and ongoing respiratory problems. His complex health needs have meant countless hospital admissions and procedures throughout his short life.
“Marley has already missed out on so many experiences in his life. It’s hard to make plans with friends and family, as we often have to cancel at short notice if Marley is suddenly taken to hospital. I can’t imagine being able to go to the cinema as a family.” – Hayley, Marley’s mum
Patients young and old
Lizzie Owens – Therapeutic Activity Coordinator, Manchester Royal Infirmary
The role of Therapeutic Activity Coordinator supports patients on the wards by providing activities tailored to their needs to support patient recovery and aid wellbeing during their time in our care. One activity that really pleases patients is the movie day that Lizzie coordinates, so she knows better than many what benefits an on-site cinema for patients will bring.
“With our older patients especially, movies bring back a real nostalgic feel and reminiscence is a HUGE part of their therapy, especially patients living with dementia, helping to bring back amazing family memories.
“Watching films can be very calming. When you put an old film on, it can transport patients back to the good old days. That’s something incredibly powerful – and something we need more of.”
Relaxation during tough times
Ayyub – Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital patient
At 15, a sudden illness left Ayyub paralysed from the neck down. Although Ayyub regained movement in his arms, his legs, bladder and bowel remain paralysed and he has been living in hospital for nearly two years.
“Having a cinema in hospital would make a huge difference. It would give kids and teenagers the chance to watch their favourite films and make memories even when they can’t go out. It’s little things like that which really lift your spirits and make long stays easier, especially being able to socialise with patients of a similar age.”
Play and Share
Humphrey’s Movie Game
To let everyone know about our MediCinema Appeal, our Humphrey Bear has put together a fun movie game that you can play and share far and wide!
Here are the rules:
- Select a movie for each cell using the clues that correspond to that cells rows and columns.
- You have nine movie guesses to fill out the grid. Each movie, whether correct or incorrect, will count as one of your nine guesses. A movie cannot be used twice.
- If a movie poster pops up, congratulations — you got it right!
- If you need a refresher on who someone is, click on their name for a headshot.
- Once you’ve played, share your score on social media so that others can join in the fun!
You can play more movie trivia games like this one here.
Humphrey’s Movie Reviews
Our mascot Humphrey Bear is so excited about the MediCinema Appeal! He’s been watching lots of films while he waits for the cinema to be ready and writing reviews on his brand-new Letterboxd account. Read his reviews by clicking through below, and follow along if you have an account too!
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