CALL the Midwife star Laura Main swapped the streets of 1960s Poplar for the neonatal unit at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital as she ‘delivered’ a surprise visit.
The Aberdeen actress, who plays Shelagh Turner in the popular BBC 1 drama, is a patron of The Archie Foundation, the charity which supports babies, children and their families at the neonatal unit and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
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On a recent visit to family in the city, Laura popped into the unit to meet the real midwives caring for mums-to-be, new mums and their babies.
Laura delighted fans of the show by chatting to parents and enjoying a few cuddles with their new arrivals.
She said: “Working on Call the Midwife gives me a small insight into the incredible job midwives do and it was such a privilege to have the chance to chat to some of the amazing staff at the neonatal unit and hear about their work.
“I was able to meet some of the new mums and dads, as well as grandparents, and be introduced to some of the beautiful babies being looked after in the unit.
“I am proud to be a patron of The Archie Foundation, which works tirelessly to raise funds to be able to provide financial and emotional support to the babies, children and their families, as well as added extras such as accommodation to make difficult times a little easier.”
Nonnatus House scenes are filmed at a closed studio set, but many exterior scenes are filmed at Chatham Dockyard in Kent, which has been used to stand in for impoverished parts of London’s East End.
Laura donated a personally guided tour of the Chatham Dockyard with afternoon tea as an auction prize at last year’s Disco Ball in aid of The Archie Foundation.
Paula Cormack, CEO of the charity, said her support was invaluable.
“We were so delighted to welcome Laura to the neonatal unit and the staff and parents loved hearing about her work on Call the Midwife just as much as she enjoyed learning about their experiences. Patrons like Laura really help us to raise awareness of The Archie Foundation and support our fundraising efforts so we can continue to help the babies, children and families who need us.”
Laura’s visit delighted both families and staff at the unit.
Nicole Bauwens, nurse manager at the neonatal unit, said: “It was fantastic to have an impromptu visit from Laura to the neonatal unit in Aberdeen. She was so friendly, down to earth and genuinely interested in our families’ stories, which she found fascinating.
“Families and staff all enjoyed the visit and it really lifted everyone’s spirits. We can’t wait to welcome Laura back for another visit.”
Archie has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for 23 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.
