Excitement levels reach ‘infinity and beyond’ as Woody, Buzz and Jessie from Toy Story 5 delight patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Our patients received the surprise of their lives when a stay at our hospital turned into an opportunity to meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie, the stars of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5”. 

The trio were in town for a special patient screening of the latest instalment of the iconic movie franchise at our new MediCinema, which opened its doors in March. 

The red carpet was rolled out for patients, and excitement levels reached ‘infinity and beyond’ when, upon arrival, they were greeted by their Toy Story heroes. The magic continued inside as patients enjoyed additional entertainment before Toy Story 5 began.  

Leah Bridgwater, mum of patient Albie-Paul Bridgwater, who attended the event, said: “Albie has two brothers at home, so it’s been lovely that they’ve been able to spend time together in the MediCinema. What’s different to other cinemas is that it’s geared up for patients, with volunteer nurses on hand. You can just completely relax. Plus, Albie-Paul getting to meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie is a memory we’ll always remember. He loved it!”   

We opened our new MediCinema in March following a £1m charity appeal by our charity. Our fully accessible, 84-seat MediCinema creates a space where patients and families, who sometimes spend weeks and months in hospital, can spend quality time together away from the wards, providing meaningful respite, reducing feelings of isolation, anxiety and stress and providing some normality during what can be challenging times.  

Mark Brider, CEO at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We were so thrilled to be able to bring this special experience to our brilliant patients thanks to MediCinema and The Walt Disney Company. We always aim to surprise and delight our children with fun and exciting activities onsite to help distract them from their surroundings and ensure they don’t feel they’re missing out while in hospital. The smiles on their faces as they got to meet their Toy Story heroes in person, followed by the film itself on the big screen, was priceless. We’re so grateful.”   

Paul Giggal, COO at MediCinema, commented: “It was a delight to bring some extra movie magic to the young patients and families enjoying our new MediCinema at Birmingham Children’s Hospital today. Thanks to our long-term partner Disney, it was wonderful to see so many patients faces light up when they got to meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie and to see them enjoy our themed Fun in the Foyer arts and crafts. We hope everyone had a fantastic time meeting the all-star cast of Toy Story 5 and creating some unforgettable memories.” 

Our MediCinema screens the latest films at no cost to the patients or the NHS. Find out more and support our ongoing MediCinema fund.