TV and Film star Olivia Colman visits Salisbury District Hospital
The Paddington in Peru star spent time with patients and staff on the Spinal Unit Centre and Children's Ward
Oscar-winning actress and star of Paddington in Peru, Olivia Colman CBE has visited Salisbury District Hospital.
Her visit was part of her role as patron of the hospital's charity, the Stars Appeal.
Colman, who also starred in The Crown, was accompanied by the charity’s president, The Earl of Pembroke, and Lady Pembroke on a tour led by Dave Cates, the charity’s Director of Fundraising, as she met with patients and hospital staff on the Spinal Treatment Centre and the Children’s Ward.
Olivia said: “It was such a pleasure to visit Salisbury Hospital again, and to meet so many inspirational patients and families in the Spinal Centre and Children’s Ward. It was clear to see the difference that the generosity shown by Stars Appeal supporters is making across the Hospital. As Patron, my heartfelt thanks go out to all of our brilliant donors, fundraisers and volunteers.”
She met with seven-year-old Lola, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was five.
Lola's mum Chloe said it was "exciting" and "such a nice surprise" for her daughter to meet the TV and Film star, saying "Olivia is the first actor and celebrity Lola has ever met.”
Lola said: “I can't believe I met somebody off of a movie. Olivia was really fun and kind.”
Lola’s favourite part of the visit was introducing Olivia to all her teddies and chatting about their favourite foods. On the day of the visit, Lola had been disappointed to miss out on having her school photo taken but having her picture taken with the Paddington in Peru star helped make up for it.
Olivia also spent time with nine-year-old Lily-Eva Cole who is currently undergoing treatment for kidney cancer.
She said she felt like a celebrity: “I loved meeting Olivia Colman. She was fun and playful. She played with me on the play deck and told me a story about buttered bread with hundreds and thousands on top. My doctor, Row, opened the play deck for us so I felt like a VIP.”
Mark Houghton MBE also met with Oliva during a physiotherapy session on the Spinal Unit as he recovers from an accident.
He said: “It was quite emotional as it was only the second time I’ve been able to stand since my accident so it was really exciting that Olivia was able to see that. I’ve watched all the series of The Crown, it was truly amazing to meet her. I’ll remember all the laughing and jokes.”
Another patient on the Spinal Unit, Emma Scott, said: “It was great to meet Olivia, I love her in Peep Show and The Crown. She was really sweet and down to earth. It was such a surprise to see her here. It lifted everyone’s spirits. I’m really chuffed I got to meet Olivia.”
And Sue Newman, who's also being treated on the Spinal Unit added: “Meeting Olivia was a really uplifting experience. To see her in the flesh was delightful, she was so very friendly. Life on the Spinal Unit can be really challenging and rewarding. To have a visit from someone like Olivia really lifts your spirits. We were all so delighted to meet her.”
Lord Pembroke added: “Lady Pembroke and I were delighted to welcome Olivia to the hospital and to meet so many patients. Olivia’s support is vital to us and her visit really boosted the morale of all those patients and staff that we had the privilege of meeting.”
Dr Rowena Staples, Children’s Ward Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Olivia to the Children’s Ward and to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents who met her. It brought so much joy to the children undergoing treatment here, and to their families, who are often experiencing very difficult times. My thanks go to Olivia and Lord and Lady Pembroke.”