Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is today calling on everyone across Manchester to donate just £2 to the Manchester MediCinema Appeal to help build the city’s first-ever in-hospital cinema – bringing the magic of the movies to thousands of Manchester patients.

Our MediCinema Appeal aims to build a real, fully accessible 50-seat cinema on Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s Oxford Road hospital campus.  Delivered in partnership with BAFTA Award-winning charity MediCinema, the cinema will support patients from hospitals including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The £1.1m appeal will fund the build and initial running costs, delivering the cinema at no cost to the NHS and giving patients the chance to share joyful experiences and create treasured memories during long or frequent hospital stays.

Once completed, the MediCinema will provide a therapeutic escape from the ward where patients of all ages can safely enjoy the latest blockbusters and much-loved classics with their families – often at a time when those shared moments matter most.

Television broadcaster and former international cricket player, Freddie Flintoff, has today launched a new £2 campaign to drive support for the Manchester MediCinema Appeal, and 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.

“If everyone across Manchester donated just £2 this Christmas – less than a cup of coffee – we could hit the £1.1m target to bring this amazing cinema to life and make this the best Christmas gift our city could give.”

He continued: “Every donation really does count – so please, text CINEMA2 to 70580 now or visit MFT Charity’s website to donate any amount today.”

The cinema will be housed in an old, non-clinical lecture theatre in Manchester Royal Infirmary, with its location well placed for both adult and child patients. It will feature cinema-style seating, space for wheelchairs, hospital beds and medical equipment, and accessibility features including subtitles, audio description, and sensory-friendly screenings.

Around 260 films a year will be shown, with dedicated MediCinema nurses and trained volunteers supporting every screening.  The space will also be able to host personal screenings for patients in exceptionally sensitive circumstances.

Kathy Cowell OBE DL, Chair of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who is supporting this Appeal. The MediCinema will have a lasting positive impact on thousands of patients across our hospitals – providing moments of normality during challenging hospital stays.

“Every single donation helps, and just £2 from each person across Manchester would make this project a reality for our patients.”

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard rate message.