Alhambra stars visit Bradford Royal Infirmary (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Alhambra stars visit Bradford Royal Infirmary

9:08am Tuesday 22nd December 2009 in

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The star of Bradford’s pantomime Billy Pearce worked his magic yesterday to bring smiles to the faces of sick and injured children in hospital.

He was joined by fellow cast members of Jack and the Beanstalk, including Gaynor Faye, Tony Adams, Leanne Jones, Jay Worthy, Kerry Pearce, Natasha Thomspson-Wild and Greg McPherson, on ward two at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

In full, colourful costume and make-up they all spent more than an hour chatting to children, parents and staff, signing pantomime posters and bringing laughter to the 28-bed paediatric surgical ward, before dashing back to the Alhambra Theatre for a show at 2.30pm.

The cast was introduced to little Katie Garside, of Cresswell Mount, Bradford, who charmed everyone, despite being scalded by a cup of hot chocolate on Sunday.

The 13-month-old toddled up and down the ward as the cast carried out their visit. Billy, who was accompanied by his own son, nine-year-old Jack, took time to chat to Katie’s parents Dan and Emma, and posed for photos.

Five-and-a-half-year-old Louis Pearson, of Huddersfield, who hurt his face by falling in the snow, also met the cast, along with his parents Lisa and Mark, as did four-year-old Georgia Gatenby, of Lulworth Grove, Holme Wood, who was accompanied by parents Sarah Gatenby and Paul Richardson.

Despite undergoing surgery and treatment in the morning both youngsters managed a smile for their visitors.

Three-year-old Ayaan Mahmood, of Sowden Road, Heaton, looked like he was auditioning for a part in the panto by performing a roly-poly down the ward for the amusement of the cast.

Hard working staff on the ward were not left out and some earned a kiss from Billy for their trouble.

David Menebhi, senior charge nurse, who has worked at BRI for 22 years said: “Our children look forward to Billy visiting – the pantomime comes to the hospital for children who can’t attend. It makes their Christmas.”

Billy said: “They always seem pleased when we come and we try to brighten the room for a bit.

“The staff are wonderful people, they do a brilliant job and it is great to be asked to come here.”