The cast of a Blackburn pantomime and some footballers brought Christmas magic to children at a hospice earlier this week.
On Tuesday, December 20, the cast of Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Cinderella and some Bolton Wanderers footballers came to Derian House in Chorley.
Prince Charming, Buttons, and Dandini brought smiles and laughter to children and staff as they put on a magic show and got everyone up for a special dance performance.
Ian Holmes, Marketing Manager at Blackburn Empire Theatre, said: “Derian House is a brilliant hospice and an important cause right in the heart of Lancashire.
“We have people from all over the country performing in the pantomime - they were so keen to come to Derian House to bring a bit of panto magic to the hospice before Christmas.”
The day became even more magical as footballers from the first team at Bolton Wanderers also arrived at Derian House in the afternoon.
The group took a tour of the hospice, took photos, and handed out Christmas presents to the young people.
Trotters stars James Trafford, Conor Bradley, and MJ Williams were even beaten at a game of Fifa on the Xbox by 22-year-old Leo Cliffe who visits the hospice.
Ricardo Santos, captain of Bolton Wanderers, said: “It was great to see the young people and be able to put a smile on their faces.
"We love show our local community that we care and they are all part of the football family.”
Katie McNally, Wellbeing and Play Team Leader at Derian House, said: “It was great to see the young people’s faces with not just one, but two special guest appearances at the hospice all in one day.
“We’re so grateful to the cast of Cinderella and of the Bolton Wanderers for thinking of Derian House this Christmas. From everyone here, we’d like to say a huge thank you.”
Derian House Children’s Hospice cares for more than 450 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.
The charity needs £5.7 million to run every year and only receives a small percentage of this from funding, relying on the generous donations of Lancashire citizens and businesses to fund the rest of its crucial work.
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