Patients to enjoy Pirates premiere

Monday 16th April 2012

Five young patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) will mingle with the stars when they fly out to Majorca for a premiere.

The group will travel to the island to watch the Pirates Adventure Show, where they will meet EastEnders stars Steve McFadden, Cheryl Fergison and Adam Woodyatt.

The event, for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity Theatres for Theatres Appeal, aims to fund a new operating theatre at the London hospital. Funds will be raised through ticket sales, bucket collections and auctions on the night.

Robyn Fellows, nine, from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, who has a disorder of bone growth that causes a type of dwarfism, has had a series of operations to lengthen her legs. Her mum Jane said: "It will be our first proper holiday in five years and we can't wait to see the pirates."

Raphael Havard, 10, from Bedford, spent six weeks at the hospital after suffering complete kidney failure caused by Goodpasture's Syndrome. His mother Anna said: "We are honoured and privileged to be asked to attend this spectacular Pirates Adventure Show."

Lewis Miller, nine, from Ayr, South Ayrshire, was born with his bladder outside his body. His mum Gillian said: "This holiday will be extra special for us because it'll be the first time that Lewis is going on holiday with his two other sisters. Everyone is so excited."

Another patient attending the premiere on April 28 is Matthew Jaycock, seven, who has Down's syndrome and was born with a hole in the heart. Matthew, from Rossendale, Lancashire, fundraises for the charity after undergoing surgery at the hospital last year. His mum Caroline said: "Matthew has never been abroad before so he is really excited at the prospect of getting on a plane and flying to another country."

Joanne Ruane, 16, from Cookridge, Leeds, has cystic fibrosis and had a lung transplant at Gosh in 2009. Her mum Ann said: "Joanna is counting down the days and she can't wait to go shopping for some new holiday clothes."

The youngsters are being flown to the island for a week's holiday courtesy of Thomson Holidays. Ian Chapman, director of Holiday Experience for Thomson, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming some children from Great Ormond Street Hospital and their families here to Majorca, and hope they have a well-deserved break with Thomson Holidays."

Pirates Adventure has raised more than £400,000 for Gosh since 2004. Catherine Sasson, its chief executive officer, said: "Our special relationship with Great Ormond Street Hospital is now entering its ninth year. We are extremely grateful to Thomson for their continuing support in flying families to Majorca for a VIP week."

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