Call the Midwife actor visits local hospice

Call the Midwife star Jack Ashton has returned to his hometown to pay a special visit to Bristol’s only adult hospice where he met patients, carers and specialists.

The visit comes as Jack, who most recently played new curate Tom Hereward in popular BBC series Call the Midwife, prepares to take on the upcoming Bristol Half Marathon on behalf of his local hospice.

During the visit Jack met patients, families, volunteers and staff and had a tour of the hospice and gardens which is used by over 2,000 people with life-limiting illnesses every year.

Jack, originally from Bedminster, has appeared in Endeavour and Broadchurch as well as Call the Midwife and several other TV series’.

He said: “St Peter’s Hospice cares for people with life-limiting illnesses in my hometown of Bristol. The charity does amazing work and I’ve always been in awe of the support they provide to families. This year, I am taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon on the charity’s behalf and hope to raise a good amount for the cause.

“It was great to visit the hospice in person and meet some of the staff and patients. It was really touching to hear the stories and get a sense of life at the hospice. The atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming which was lovely to see.

“I love returning to Bristol and get back to my parents’ house in Bedminster as much as possible.”

As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members.

All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £18,000 a day. For around £13,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops.

Head of Supporter Relations at St Peter’s Hospice John Flanagan said: “It was wonderful to have Jack visit us at the Hospice and it’s great he’s taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon on our behalf.

“Jack’s visit gave a real boost to the patients, their families and the nurses and he took the time to speak to everybody and listen to their stories.”

For more information on St Peter’s Hospice, visit stpetershospice.org