Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is launching its first-ever television advert to help to raise vital funds for sick kids and their families. The appeal will help to make up the fundraising shortfall which has been caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Airing for the first time on Friday (23 October) on ITV1 in the West Midlands region, the advert is voiced by long-time Birmingham Children’s Hospital supporter Dame Julie Walters and is asking viewers to donate £5 a month to support the charity’s work.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a damaging effect on the charity sector as a result of cancellations of fundraising events over the summer months, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has been no different. All funds raised from the £5 a month campaign will help the charity to continue supporting those sick kids and families who need it most.

Dame Julie Walters said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity with their first ever television advert, which will help to raise vital funds.

“It’s been a tough year for the charity so I am delighted to be able to help them out in this way. I have seen for myself the difference the amazing staff have made to the lives of the children and families they care for, and it is critical that the charity can support them with this work, now and in the future.”

The three-week campaign will run on ITV Central (West) from Friday 23 October and the advert will ask viewers to visit bch.org.uk to donate £5 a month, or whatever they can.

The Charity raises vital funds which help to support state-of-the-art equipment, pioneering research and exciting, creative environments to ensure that the hospital’s children continue to receive the world-class care that they all deserve.

Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted our ability to raise funds for the sick kids who are treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. By supporting our first-ever TV campaign, ITV viewers can help us to continue supporting the fantastic work that our amazing NHS staff do every single day.

“We’re fortunate that the fabulous Dame Julie Walters, who is a loyal supporter of ours, has donated her time and voice to help bring the advert to life. We’re incredibly grateful of her support during this tough time.”

You can support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity by giving £5 a month, or whatever you can afford, here.