NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was delighted to welcome Hugh Bonneville and Paddington Bear to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow this week.
The BAFTA-nominated actor was welcomed in a delightful reception by excited young patients and their families, who were treated to a special screening of Paddington in Peru in the MediCinema at the hospital.
Bonneville, who plays the character Mr. Brown in the beloved family film series, made a surprise visit to the in-hospital cinema in Glasgow run by MediCinema, a charity which improves the wellbeing and quality of life of NHS patients and their families through the power of the shared cinema experience and the magic of film.
The actor handed out soft Paddington bear toys to young patients at the MediCinema, speaking to them and their families before introducing the special screening.
Lucas, a young patient at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children said: “I enjoyed everything about tonight, it was amazing. I’m so happy I got to see a premiere and ask questions to one of the actual people in it.
“This has been my favourite movie experience – Paddington is my new number one.”
The highly anticipated third film follows in the paw prints of two hugely successful cinematic outings of the charming and lovable bear, bringing Paddington’s story back to Peru as he returns to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears.
With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Guests at the MediCinema screening on Wednesday were amongst the first in the UK to watch the brand-new Paddington cinematic adventure, ahead of its nationwide release on Friday 8th November.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for children said: “The children and parents were absolutely delighted to meet Hugh and Paddington.
“We aim to deliver person-centred care and visits like these enable us to create special moments that make a difference.
“A huge thank you from all of us to Hugh, Paddington, Medicinema, and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for making this possible.”
Paul Giggal, MediCinema Chief Operating Officer said: “It’s been a true joy to have Hugh and Paddington make this surprise visit to the MediCinema for patients and their families in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.
“Then seeing the film before it’s open to the public has been the icing on the cake – or the marmalade on the sandwich! Experiences like this can transform a young person’s experience of hospital and bring joy at the most difficult times. The children loved every minute tonight and it is something they’ll remember forever.”
Hugh Bonneville said: “It’s a real privilege for me to visit Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children and to introduce some young adventurers to Paddington’s latest escapade, Paddington In Peru at the wonderful MediCinema.”