Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman brought a wave of happiness to patients and staff at Salisbury District Hospital during a surprise visit in support of the Stars Appeal charity. The 50-year-old, widely admired for her roles in The Crown and The Favourite, spent the day engaging with both children and adult patients, sharing laughter and encouragement throughout the hospital.
Accompanied by the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and guided by Dave Cates, director of fundraising for the Stars Appeal, Olivia toured the Spinal Treatment Centre and the Children’s Ward. Her genuine warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
“Visiting Salisbury Hospital and meeting such inspiring patients and families was a true pleasure,” Olivia said. “The generosity of Stars Appeal supporters makes an incredible difference here. As Patron, I send heartfelt thanks to all our donors, fundraisers, and volunteers.”
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Among the children she met was seven-year-old Lola Patton, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at age five. Lola’s mother, Chloe Beresford, shared, “Meeting Olivia was such a wonderful surprise—Lola has never met a celebrity before. It truly made our day.” Lola added, “I can’t believe I met someone from a movie. Olivia was really kind and fun.”
Nine-year-old Lily-Eva Cole, undergoing treatment for kidney cancer, also enjoyed Olivia’s company. “She played with me on the play deck and told me a funny story about buttered bread with hundreds and thousands on top,” Lily-Eva said. “It felt special—like being a VIP.”
Adult patients at the Spinal Treatment Centre were equally touched. Mark Houghton MBE, 58, recovering from an accident, recalled, “It was emotional—I’d only just stood up for the second time since my accident. Olivia saw that moment, and it meant a lot. I’ve watched all of The Crown and meeting her was amazing. We shared many laughs.”
Emma Scott, 36, expressed her excitement: “I love Olivia’s work in Peep Show and The Crown. She was so sweet and down to earth. Her visit lifted everyone’s spirits.”
Seventy-nine-year-old Sue Newman remarked, “Having Olivia visit was uplifting. Life here can be tough, and her friendliness truly brightened our day.”
Lord Pembroke said, “Lady Pembroke and I were thrilled to welcome Olivia to the hospital. Her support is invaluable, and the morale boost she gave patients and staff was tremendous.”
Dr. Rowena Staples, children’s ward consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, added, “Olivia’s visit brought much joy to children and families facing difficult times. We are deeply grateful to Olivia and the Pembrokes for their support.”
This memorable visit highlighted the important role that celebrities and charity patrons play in bringing hope and encouragement to hospital communities.