Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh - originally from Accrington - came to support her friend Rosie Adamson-Clark for the screening of her films at an LGBTQ+ film festival.

The film festival took place yesterday (August 6) at Bolton Hospice, where many came to show their support, including Bolton Cllr Martin McMulkin.

Rosie is currently a patient at the hospice and has been diagnosed with lung disease end stage, as well as Pleural effusion in both lungs, and Ehler Danlos.

After being cared for by Bolton Hospice, through both their inpatient care and the Wellbeing Hub support services, she wanted her message to be that of inclusivity and ‘removing labels’.

Rosie has continued to fight for this throughout her life.

Lancashire Telegraph: Julie showing her support for RosieJulie showing her support for Rosie

At the screening Rosie shared three short films highlighting the social barriers some may face in the LGBTQ+ community, and outside of it.

She said: “All of the short films are about human rights issues and the difference between what you see and what the back story is, and what the labels are in society, not just in the LGBTQ+ community.

“I only have two or three months left to live, and I wanted to spend it raising money for the hospice and sharing my films.

“It’s my way of giving back some of what the hospice has given to me.

“I will have a good death here, and there is such a thing as a good death because of amazing the staff here are.

 

Lancashire Telegraph: Rosie Adamson-ClarkRosie Adamson-Clark

“My big mission is to encourage people to be proud of everything.

“Who you are and what you are, you have to be proud of it.

“The world is full of labels and stereotypes.”

The film Dance tells the story of how patients can sometimes feel introverted in care homes, but if they have the right people around things can turn around.

Her second film Breathe is based on Rosie’s experience of dying in a hospice, where although a woman can speak, everyone thinks she can’t.

She added: “This part was supposed to be played by another actress, but she was unable to.

“So, I am playing the part myself and what it’s like to feel your last breath, which is fitting.”

Rosie was commissioned to write her third film Nan to the Rescue for LGBTQ+ history month, which is about coming out as gay in the 1980s and the obstacles involved in Bolton.

Rosie added: “You should be proud of who you are, and I like to think that with others coming out that the world is so much better now.”

 

Lancashire Telegraph: Rosie and her wife of 28 years, Chris SmithRosie and her wife of 28 years, Chris Smith

Bolton actress, writer and director, and Vice President of Bolton Hospice, Maxine Peake, also supported the event.

Julie became friends with Rosie not that long ago, and they both met at the Bolton Socialist Club through their shared interest in the arts, music, and politics.

Julie said: “Rosie is a big believer in social justice, diversity, and inclusion, and is drawn to doing things through the arts, with her creative vision.

“This place has been so incredible not just with the care she has received but being supported as someone from the LGBTQ+ community.

“Sometimes when someone is from that community and they need a hospice or hospital care, the difference becomes a big deal.

“It hasn’t been until now where things have started to change.

“I am happy to have the honour to keep doing these things; It’s wonderful.

“So, I am here for Rosie today, and to say a big thank you to Bolton Hospice for everything they do for the whole community.

“It’s great to be here at Bolton Hospice to make as many memories as possible during Bolton Pride.

“These are the last few films Rosie is making.”  

Lancashire Telegraph: Julie and Rosie at the LGBTQ film festivalJulie and Rosie at the LGBTQ film festival

Rosie praised her wife Chris Smith – who she has been married to for 28 years – and the Bolton Hospice for the care they have given her.

She added: “My wife is amazing and all the people here at the hospice who I have sat here with.

 “And if I am dying in here my time will be very comfortable and calm.

“I know I have had a good life and I am ready to go.

“I have done so much work and my legacy will live on.”

Rosie worked in clinical psychology and as a lecturer and court-appointed therapist.

She advised Government and helped create the EDF document on Equality and Diversity practice and law.

In 2015 she won the first Bolton Pride award from Sir Ian McKellen for her lifetime of equality campaigning and working for minority groups.

The work was focused on LGBTQ+ issues in healthcare settings.

In 2018 she was commissioned to write a play about LGBTQ+ equality and highlight local input from Bolton, which was screened at many film festivals in 2018 and 2019.