Patients on Ward 12 (Heart) were treated to a surprise visit from the stars of Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime, Dick Whittington, today.

Cast members Matt Slack, Jodie Prenger, Danielle Hope and Andrew Ryan dropped by to entertain our staff, patients and their families – dressed in full pantomime attire!

Not only did the wonderful stars bring some smiles to our Heart Unit, but they also presented a cheque to us for £8,000 for our Star Appeal, which was raised thanks to the generosity of theatre-goers, who contributed to bucket collections throughout December and January.

Rob Macpherson, Director of Marketing and Development at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: “This is a truly amazing result and we’re delighted so many visitors donated so generously over the extended festive period.”

Annie Eytle, Acting Events and Regional Fundraising Manager at our charity, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Birmingham Hippodrome and its patrons for being so kind and we’d also like to say a special thank you to the cast for visiting our children. It’s not every day we get to bring the pantomime to our hospital – so it truly was an incredible day!”