Coronation Street actor, Charlie de Melo, from Sileby, visited Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People to meet children, young people and families and to help raise awareness of the charity’s amazing work across the East Midlands.
The actor, who joined the cobbles of Coronation Street in 2017, as lawyer Imran Habeeb, and has also appeared in Doctors, Casualty and EastEnders, popped into the Loughborough based hospice where he happily took pictures with children, young people and staff – as well as taking the time to sign autographs for youngsters.
Talking about his visit to the East Midlands’ only hospice for children and young people, Charlie said: “It’s been amazing. There’s a wonderful atmosphere here – from the incredible care team to staff members from all sides. It’s a lovely place to come and be amongst.”
The visit wasn’t the first time Charlie has walked through the doors of Rainbows. As a teenager, he took part in work experience at the hospice and there’s also a family connection, with his mum, Lynne, being Rainbows’ Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Charlie added about his visit: “It’s always lovely to come back here. I hope that my visit helps to illuminate a little bit more about what Rainbows is like and dispels any myths.
He also invited the public to come and see for yourselves how Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People helps brighten short lives of children and young people throughout the East Midlands, by attending their Community Open Day on Saturday 15 September – between 10.30am and 3pm.
“It’s not some dreary, dark depressing place. It is in fact a loving celebration and a positive place. It’s always a pleasure to come.”
