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.
Help us this Christmas
There are so many ways that you can help us to make our MediCinema Appeal a reality
Carols in the City
This year, our Christmas Carols in the City event will feature well-known movie classics, all in support of MediCinema!
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
Rebecca, Nicholas, Skye and Summer Hopper – Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary patients
The Hopper family have all been long-term patients of our hospitals, so much so that to daughters Skye and Summer the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital staff feel like extended family.
“An onsite cinema would be a huge support to children staying long-term as it would improve their wellbeing, give them something to look forward to, and help them feel connected. It also gives the kids the opportunity to connect with the outside world, something that is vital for them. It gives them the chance to socialise, just like regular young adults and a space where they can relax and focus on enjoying themselves instead of worrying.” – Rebecca Hopper
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.”
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!
Christmas Appeal
Donating Gifts to Our Patients
We know that our kind supporters like to send gifts to our patients in hospital at this time of year.
Whilst this is lovely and we are so grateful for your generosity, often these gifts are unsuitable for all and so many patients are left out.
Instead, we ask that you consider making a cash donation this Christmas in support of MediCinema and bring the magic of movies to our patients all-year round.
If you do decide that you would like to donate gifts to our hospital, you can contact us at charity@mft.nhs.uk or on 0161 276 4522 to find out more about the process. Please note that they must be brand new and in their original packaging – due to health and safety, we are unable to accept second-hand or homemade donations.
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