Hollyoaks star Kelly Condron has paid tribute to the ‘kindness and care’ of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust staff as she narrates our latest promotional video.

The short film highlights the life-changing impact that donations can have for the patients cared for throughout our family of hospitals.

Our Charity raises vital funds for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) – the largest NHS Trust in the country. The Trust is made up of ten hospitals and provides a full range of services to 850,000 people across Manchester and Trafford.

We raise funds that go over and above core NHS provision to make a difference for patients of all ages by funding cutting-edge equipment for diagnosis and treatment, pioneering new research, and creating more comfortable and welcoming environments for patients and their families.

Last month, we announced our MediCinema Appeal to build a purpose-built, state-of-the-art cinema for hospitals on Oxford Road Campus, serving patients from both Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary. Once built, the MediCinema will provide a therapeutic escape from the ward where patients of all ages can safely enjoy the latest films and much-loved favourites.

In the new promotional film, which showcases real staff and patients, Kelly narrates some of the many stories made possible by charitable funding.

Kelly, who played Zara Morgan in Hollyoaks, will also appear in a second film by the Charity, which features interviews with patients and staff.

Kelly’s involvement is personal: her son George, now aged 14, was diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus at the age of seven having suffered from reflux since he was a baby. The condition, which is more common in older people, can cause indigestion, heartburn, difficulty swallowing and, in some cases, leads to reflux, where food comes back up from the stomach into the food pipe.

Since then, George has undergone around 16 procedures at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to stretch his oesophagus and assist with swallowing. His first operation took place around nine years ago. He continues to have sixth-monthly investigations to monitor his condition and is expecting to undergo further surgery later this month.

Reflecting on her son’s time on the ward, Kelly said: “George came to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital around age seven. He couldn’t swallow food and was in a lot of pain. He was tiny when he first came here.

“We weren’t sure what it was and there was a lot of investigations that had to happen when they went down to surgery. They very quickly found out that the damage was too much, and he wouldn’t be able to have a keyhole surgery, so we had to stay at the hospital for much longer than we expected.

“During that time, the biggest thing that helped us to get through was the kindness and care showed by the doctors and nurses. They continued as best they could to make everything as normal as possible for us. For George, that was especially important.

“George comes to the hospital every six months now. He loves Lego and every time we come in to visit, the staff have a small piece of Lego waiting for him. To somebody else, that might not mean anything, but for him it’s just complete acceptance.

“Honestly, I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done, the nurses, doctors and Play staff feel like our extended family.”

MFT cares for thousands of patients, like George, who come through its doors every day. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, we’re able to make a difference for those patients and their families, ensuring they receive the very best care in the very best facilities.

Kelly added: “I think it’s really important that people support the Charity. One thing that I would say to people is to please keep supporting, please keep giving. I know it’s really hard at the moment and that times are tough for people.

“But anything you can do to help, to donate, and to keep these wonderful things going would be amazing. I want to say a massive thank you for helping us as a family to have an easier journey with our stay here.”

Our Acting Director, Angela Rowe, said: “We’re incredibly proud to share our latest MFT Charity film, which highlights the powerful impact that charitable giving has right across our family of hospitals.

“The film celebrates the real people and stories behind our services – people like Kelly and George – whose experiences show how the generosity of our supporters enables us to go above and beyond for patients across Greater Manchester.

“We hope this video inspires viewers by showing just how essential our hospitals are to local families, and how every donation, no matter big or small, can make a difference.

“Any amount you are able to give will help ensure our patients receive the best care possible in the very best facilities, from funding cutting-edge equipment to supporting transformative projects like the MediCinema Appeal – all of which are only possible thanks to generous supporters.”