Members of the cast of LHK Productions’ Easter pantomime Snow White recently took some time out from their busy production schedule to spread a little happiness

The Apprentice star James Hill, who is playing Prince Charming in the panto at The Epstein Theatre, and his co-star Georgia Austin, who plays Snow White, visited Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in West Derby.

During their visit, James and Georgia played with the children and chatted to the parents and staff about the amazing work that they do.

Meeting Snow White and Prince Charming certainly put a smile on the faces of the children at Zoë’s Place, who were thrilled to meet the colourful characters from the famous fairytale.

The performers also enjoyed a tour of the fantastic facility, which provides specialist palliative, respite and end of life care for babies and small children from birth through to five-years-old.

John McCormack, Grants and Trusts Fundraising Officer at Zoë’s Place explained: 

“Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice is a very special charity. Our bespoke one- to- one care is for babies who suffer with terminal life- threatening or life-limiting conditions and this is provided by registered nurses, play leaders, physiotherapists and other care specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our facilities are designed provide a ‘home from home’ for our special babies and through the use of multi-sensory environments and learning through play, our nursing staff can ensure that our special babies live life to the full. “

Staff showed James and Georgia around Zoë’s Place’s fantastic facilities, which include a sensory room, soft play area, beautiful gardens, hydrotherapy pool, family accommodation and a homely living room where families receive counselling and benefits advice.

James, the Sheffield lad who won the hearts of the public when he entered the Big Brother House in 2015 and appeared on The Apprentice in 2014, is planning to open his own care home for people with dementia. He enjoyed spending time with the children and was very impressed with the baby hospice in West Derby.

The 27-year-old said:

“This is an example of lovely people doing something they’re passionate about. Visiting places like this makes us realise how lucky we are. I think more people need that reality check! This is a great cause.”

John added:

“We were really delighted to welcome Snow White and Prince Charming to our hospice today to meet our children. Visits such as these really help to make days spent at Zoë’s Place extra special and some of our children have already been to see the show at the Epstein Theatre and had a magical time! Thank you so much for visiting Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice”