Bestselling author, 'I’m a Celebrity' finalist, and one half of the chart-topping 1980s band the Communards, Rev. Richard Coles has backed the public appeal to raise money for Cambridge Children’s Hospital.
Speaking at a special literary lunch to promote his latest book, Rev. Richard Coles expressed surprise that there hasn't been a specialist children's hospital in the East of England. He described the need as "urgent" and praised the campaign appeal, urging guests "anything you can do to get some energy and commitment into that would be fantastic.”
He continued: “A huge thank you from me for everyone who has supported the campaign and continues to do so.”
Cambridge Children’s Hospital will be unique in treating mental and physical health together under one roof, alongside world-leading research delivered in the Cambridge Children’s Research Institute.
I’m specially delighted to hear that it’s something that provides for both mental health needs and physical health needs, because it’s a scandal the state of provision, or lack of provision, for children and young people with severe mental health problems. I’m delighted that is going to be worked into it from the beginning.
Rev. Richard Coles
Rev. Coles was guest speaker at the lunch organised by Peterborough Mayor, Cllr Marco Cereste, to raise money for three of his charities, including Cambridge Children’s Hospital. The broadcaster and author, who was there to talk about his latest novel 'Murder Under the Mistletoe', was booked months before he was even asked to be a contestant on 'I’m A Celebrity'.
Speaking to a packed venue of 150 guests, Rev. Coles said: “I had no idea when I agreed to the lunch that I might also appear in the jungle. It certainly never crossed my mind that I would get so far, but it was never really a question of not attending this lunch. Peterborough is relatively local to where I grew up, it was the diocese under which I served, and so the area is a bit like home to me. And the charities this helps are so important.”
When asked what his worst experience in the jungle was, without hesitation he replied – “the pickled herrings”, with the smell being so bad that the crew would leave the area, leaving him almost alone to deal with the stench.
As for his worst task –
It was the one where I had a glass bowl placed over my head, which was filled with creatures including cockroaches, which had a surprisingly bad smell. Despite wearing goggles, the cockroaches managed to get into my eyes, into my ears and up my nose!
Rev. Richard Coles