'Delight' at Bafta win for hospital cinema charity

Staff at a children's hospital in Liverpool have said they are "delighted" the charity behind its on-site cinema was awarded a Bafta on Sunday evening for its outstanding contribution to cinema.

National charity MediCinema opened a cinema at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in November, which has since held over 50 screenings for in excess of 300 families.

Head of fundraising at the hospital, Cath Harding, said the facility had been "a game changer" for young patients and their families.

"It makes such a difference to them when they are in hospital," she said. "It puts a smile on their face and provides that little bit of magic that we like to do at Alder Hey."

The cinema has capacity for 34 youngsters and their families with seating as well as space for wheelchairs and hospital beds.

It was paid for by donations raised jointly between Alder Hey Children's Charity and MediCinema.

"It is such a brilliant facility to have at the hospital for all our patients and their families going through what can be a really extraordinary, really difficult time for them," Ms Harding added.

"It enables them to immerse themselves into another world away from hospital, which is really important for mental health emotional wellbeing."

Ms Harding said some of the children had never been to a cinema so the experience was "a real game changer".

"The smile on their faces is a joy to see," she said.

"The children can enjoy an experience that other children and their families may take for granted."

MediCinema was first established in 1999 and operates cinemas across the country in hospitals in London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Newport.

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