"It’s really happening": Freddie Flintoff thanks public for supporting Manchester MediCinema Appeal
Lancashire cricket turned TV star Freddie Flintoff has thanked the public for supporting his campaign for poorly children across Greater Manchester.
Preston born Freddie has took to social media to provide an update on a campaign he has been championing for the past two months.
At the start of December, the former England cricketer launched his support for 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.
Taking to his Instagram this week, the 48-year-old father of four thanked the public for their support as he provided a fundraising update.
In a video shared with his 984k followers, Freddie, who now lives in Manchester, said: “Manchester, thanks to you we have now raised £579,000 towards our £1.1 million appeal to bring Manchester its first ever fully accessible in-hospital cinema. We’re over half way there which means it’s really happening.”
Encouraging the public to keep up their support, the Bullseye presenter continued: “Every single donation, no matter how small, helps us get there faster, creating a space where the patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary can sit and enjoy the latest blockbusters and much loved favourites - even from a wheelchair or a hospital bed.
“By supporting our MediCinema Appeal, you can lift spirits, you can create moments of normality and distraction, and you can bring the magic of the movies to patients in hospital, giving them the chance to share positive experiences with their loved ones.
“Please donate today using the link in my bio. Your support will really help us get this over the line and make this happen for Manchester. Thank you.”
In the comments, fellow sports star Tony Bellew wrote “👏🔥👏 well done champ 👏🔥👏” whilst TV personality and activist Katie Piper said: “That’s amazing 👏”
The Manchester MediCinema Appeal is led by Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, which supports Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s family of ten hospitals, and 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.