Daily Record

Running a hospital cinema is my most rewarding role

Children’s TV veteran tells about his big screen adventures

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HE was one half of Saturday morning kids’ telly duo Trevor and Simon in the 80s. But now Simon Hickson is bringing even more joy to the movies – managing a hospital cinema.

The former Going Live and Live & Kicking star runs CW+ MediCinema at Chelsea and Westminste­r hospital, providing thousands of patients with a chance to watch one of the latest blockbuste­rs during their stay.

Launched 21 years ago, the MediCinema charity has six cinemas in hospitals across the country, including one in Glasgow.

The new Yorkill MediCinema is within the Royal Hospital for Children at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The cinema has 47-seats and can comfortabl­y accommodat­e six wheelchair­s and around five hospital beds, ensuring as many patients as possible are able to enjoy the experience.

MediCinema’s mission is simple – to give a sense of normality to patients, whether they are on drips and respirator­s, recovering from an operation, undergoing chemothera­py or on dialysis.

Simon, 58, says: “I loved working as a presenter but four years ago, Trev and I had not been doing much on-screen stuff and we were mainly writing for kids’ sitcoms.

“I was starting to get fed up and I felt I wanted a job that was good for my soul. I am a massive film fan and back in 2017 a friend spotted an advert looking for someone to manage the MediCinema.

“I didn’t think I was qualified enough, but my friend persuaded me to apply. I had to prepare a CV that was applicable to the role, though, as mine was, ‘he has swung his pants and done stupid sketches!’ Amazingly, I got the job. Being able to offer something positive is the most rewarding job you can dream of.”

The MediCinema is unique. The

Chelsea and Westminste­r one seats 40 patients and family members, with further space for six wheelchair­s and room at the back if patients need to be wheeled in on a bed. There is also emergency resuscitat­ion equipment.

Sixty nurses, also funded by the charity, take it in turns to be at one of the four screenings per week. A further 80 volunteers transfer the patients.

What makes the MediCinema even more special is the fact moviemaker­s have bent over backwards to ensure they are able to screen the latest films. They have even arranged for movie stars, such as Tom Hiddleston, to make special visits.

Simon added: “The film industry is stupendous. Its support for us is incredible.”

Before each film is aired, Simon goes around the wards to check which patients would be able to come along. He says: “Some can’t get out of the bed and when I explain they can be wheeled in, they can’t believe it. I remember a 94-year-old who came. We were showing Fast And Furious and she was holding on to the bed rails as if she was driving a car.”

As well as special silver films shown to try to encourage dementia patients to remember things from their past, the movies are also beneficial for stroke patients. Personal screenings are even arranged for those nearing the end of their life.

Simon said: “One lady, Yasmin, was only 43 and suffering from cancer. She had been coming regularly and told me that it was a beacon during the toughest storm of her life.

“We were planning to show Bohemian Rhapsody but Yasmin was to go to a hospice. We didn’t

Christine Smith even have a copy of the film at that stage but thanks to the incredible help of the film industry, we managed to arrange a private screening. Yasmin, her brother and friend sat in the seats and all swayed along to We Are The Champions at the end. The value of this can’t be underestim­ated.”

All cinemas shut in lockdown and the charity estimates it will lose £1million. But a month ago, three MediCinema­s reopened.

Simon said: “I’m so pleased we are back up and running again. Just think about the relief we all felt being able to eat out again after lockdown.

“MediCinema gives patients a sense of normality.”

For more details, or if you would like to donate, go to medicinema. org.uk. During lockdown, Simon has undertaken 20 movie-themed challenges. Donate at just giving. com/fundraisin­g/simon-hickson4

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 ??  ?? SWINGING HIS PANTS Simon, right, with Trevor during their heyday
SWINGING HIS PANTS Simon, right, with Trevor during their heyday
 ??  ?? SCREEN SAVERS Sick kids love the special hospital cinemas
SCREEN SAVERS Sick kids love the special hospital cinemas

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