Dame Julie Walters to voice advert for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Black Country-born actress Dame Julie Walter is to voice the first-ever television advert for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.
The television appeal will help make up the fundraising shortfall which has been caused by the outbreak of Covid-19.
The advert is expected to air for the first time on Friday on ITV1 in the West Midlands region and asks viewers to donate £5 a month to support the charity's work in raising funds for sick children and their families.
The outbreak of Covid-19 has had a damaging effect on the charity sector as a result of cancellations of fundraising events over the summer months, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has been no different.
Dame Julie said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity with their first ever television advert, which will help to raise vital funds.
Delighted
“It’s been a tough year for the charity so I am delighted to be able to help them out in this way. I have seen for myself the difference the amazing staff have made to the lives of the children and families they care for, and it is critical that the charity can support them with this work, now and in the future.”
Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The outbreak of Covid-19 has severely impacted our ability to raise funds for the sick kids who are treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
"By supporting our first-ever TV campaign, ITV viewers can help us to continue supporting the fantastic work that our amazing NHS staff do every single day.
“We’re fortunate that the fabulous Dame Julie Walters, who is a loyal supporter of ours, has donated her time and voice to help bring the advert to life.
"We’re incredibly grateful of her support during this tough time.”
You can support Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity by giving £5 a month, or whatever you can afford, by visiting www.bch.org.uk.
