VIDEO: Connie's a 'superstar' on visit to hospice (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Sound of Music actress wins new fans on trip to Marie Curie hospice

4:19pm Wednesday 23rd September 2009 in Local Video By Kathie Griffiths

Sound of Music star Connie Fisher brought a cheery note to Bradford’s Marie Curie Hospice when she called in on a surprise visit.

Connie went along with her uncle Fred Kirkby, from Queensbury, who invited her to see where his wife, Kathleen, had been cared for when she was ill.

Today Connie took a break from her hectic schedule at the Alhambra, where the sell-out show runs until the weekend, to support her 84-year-old uncle who said it was “an emotional return”.

Mr Kirkby, whose wife lost her battle against a brain tumour three years ago, said he was proud his niece had made the time to pop in and say hello to patients and to the staff who had been “so lovely”.

Connie spent an hour chatting and having lunch before dashing back from Maudesley Street for afternoon rehearsals.

One of the patients she met was 51-year-old Paula Morrison, from Idle, who said: “I didn’t get to see the show because I was so poorly so meeting her here has helped make up for it.”

The hospice’s community fundraiser, Brenda Doyle, said: “Connie’s made a big difference today for lots of our patients. She’s been a superstar!”

Connie said: “I’m just really pleased to have come with Uncle Fred, I never knew my aunt but have got to know him really well while I’ve been in Bradford. I’ve been discovering my roots.”

She added: “The hospice has a happy vibe to it. Uncle Fred had told me all about it but it’s been good to see and feel it for myself.”

Mr Kirkby has just won his own fight against bowel cancer. He was diagnosed in January and made a pact with his surgeon that if he was “fixed” he would take him and his wife to see Connie in her show – and he did.

“I kept my word and he kept his that he would get me sorted for September,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m in the clear – it’s a miracle.”

“I've been to see the show twice and it's been wonderful.”

Connie has other aunts and uncles around the city.

“This is the first time I’ve been up North but it won’t be the last now,” she said.

“I’ll be sad to leave Bradford when the show moves on. Everyone here’s been so friendly.”

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@telegraphandargus.co.uk