Taking patients to cinema helps me and them
IAN Chandler, 63, a retired security guard, has volunteered at the cinema in London’s Chelsea and Westminster hospital for two years:
‘My mum Doris was in and out of Chelsea and Westminster so I’d spend quite a bit of time there. During one of her stays, I heard about the MediCinema charity, which builds and runs cinemas in hospitals for patients and their families.
‘Mum couldn’t go as she’d gone blind, but the hospital said I was welcome. Going to the hospital cinema gave me a break from the ward and worrying how ill mum was – I’d been her carer for five years. It was lovely to see patients of all ages having such a nice time there and when I discovered that they were picked up from the wards by volunteers, sometimes even in their beds with drips still attached, I thought, “What a great thing to do.”
‘Mum’s death in January last year left a huge gap in my life – I’d given up my job of 32 years to look after her. I also wanted to give something back by way of thanks for the brilliant care she’d received, so I got in touch with the cinema manager.
‘I do two five-hour sessions a
week, escorting patients and sitting with them during the film if they want company. Some are extremely ill but you wouldn’t know it in the cinema. They seem to forget about their troubles and just enjoy themselves.
‘We show all types of film – the latest releases, golden oldies, comedies and musicals. Sometimes film stars will do a Q&A session and give out toys. You should have seen the children’s faces when Chewbacca walked in. Moments like that are priceless.
‘When I see them smiling, I feel like I’ve achieved something worthwhile and leave with a great sense of satisfaction.’