Coronation Street stars among celebs surprising young hospital patients for Christmas
11.12.2023 - 11:35
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital patients were surprised by famous Mancunian stars as a Christmas treat organised by the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity.
Coronation Street stars Antony Cotton and Simon Gregson who play ‘Sean Tully’ and ‘Steve Mcdonald’ handed out presents.
They were joined by The Good Ship’s Murder star, Cath Tyldesley, John Thomson from The Fast Show and Hits Radio hosts, Brooke Vincent and Mike Toolan.
The visit from the stats occurred simultaneously with Christmas Jumper Day (Friday 8 December) meaning they were rocking their favourite festive clothing to promote and raise money for the charity's Christmas Play Appeal.
The group of stars are patrons of the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity which helped arrange the visit to help bring festive cheer to the children by handing out teddy bears donated by fashion brand, Scamp and Dude.
Mike Toolan and Simon Gregson visited a secondary medical ward and talked about their experience, Mike said: “It was a really amazing day and very heart-warming. And a lovely little reminder of how brilliant all the nurses and doctors are.
“Of course it is sad to be in hospital at Christmas time, but it is a really lovely place. It was an honour to do this.”
Simon said: “It was lovely to see all the children, hand out the teddy bears to spread a little joy and put a smile on their faces.
“The toys went down so well. It is a fantastic place with fantastic staff and it was very humbling to visit.”
Antony Cotton and Brooke Vincent teamed up and visited the Haematology and Oncology ward and were able to meet children who were receiving treatment for cancer, leukemia and non-malignant blood disorders.
Antony said: “This is always a very special visit and I was