Let’s go to the movies

Bluebell Wood children enjoying the cinema room. Pictured are Toni Cheshire, Jamie Johnson and mum Joanne Johnson, Leionna Seedhouse

The installation has been completed as part of a Together for Short Lives campaign, the leading charity for UK children’s palliative care.

It was the brain child of Ian Morrish from ISE, who approached Together for Short Lives after being inspired by a television programme about a holiday home for children with short lives in Blackpool.

All products and services were sourced, supplied and installed free of any charge.

A dedicated cinema room means children with a variety of complex medical needs, who may be in wheelchairs or beds, will be able to enjoy the cinema experience on a regular basis.

It will also enable those with pain or discomfort to absorb themselves in an experience that will distract them and let them share the experience with their siblings, parents and carers.

Mr Morrish has worked with Together for Short Lives since 2010 and has completed eight home cinema installations in children’s hospices.

He said: “The AV industry is coming together as a powerful, charitable force to bring the home cinema experience into the lives of children with a shortened life expectancy.”

“I am delighted that so many companies are offering their products and services without any hesitation. Everyone’s generosity of both time and product has been staggering and has helped to create a very special cinema room that will be used and enjoyed by the children at Bluebell Wood and their families for many years to come.”

Colin Scott of ET Home Cinema in Doncaster heard about the project and offered his services to Bluebell Wood as they care for children in his locality.

He said: “We have been installing cinema rooms for the last 20 years and felt this would be a great opportunity to offer our experience and skills for such a worthwhile cause.”

“On a personal note this project has been extremely rewarding and seeing the generosity by our suppliers and volunteers makes me proud to be involved in this industry.”

Colin also enlisted help and sourced products locally from Hoyland Joinery, Travis Perkins, Dearne and District Digital, Starscape and City Electrical Factors.

Heidi Megaughin, acting chief executive at Bluebell Wood, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted with our fabulous new cinema room and can’t thank everyone enough who made this possible.”

“It will provide hours of entertainment for our children and families using the hospice, and it provides a great auditory and visual sensory experience for our children with the mood lighting and surround sound in the room.”