Ricky Tomlinson recently unveiled a plaque in recognition of his very generous £200,000 donation to the Cheshire and North Wales Human Milk Bank Appeal. Ricky has also agreed to be the appeal patron for 2008. Thanks to help like Ricky’s, the Cheshire and North Wales Human Milk Bank is one of the leading milk banks in the UK. Ricky said: “Due to my own recent experiences with my health I know how much hospitals and appeals appreciate help and assistance. This is such an important service which can help so many families and I’m very honoured to be the patron for 2008.”
He was then presented with gifts from children and parents who have been helped by the Trust’s Milk Bank in the last few years before visiting the Neo-natal Unit to meet the parents of new born babies who are currently benefiting from donor breastmilk provided through the milk bank’s wonderful service.
After posing for pictures and talking to staff on the Neo-natal Unit, Ricky was shown the Milk Bank and learned about the milk banking process. He reacted by saying “It’s absolutely fantastic the way everything works, it really is.”
Lynda Coulter, Manager of Cheshire and North Wales Human Milk Bank said, “We are delighted that Ricky agreed to be our patron for 2008. His generosity has already secured the service for the foreseeable future and we are delighted to have this opportunity to thank him publicly. Over 1,000 people have supported the appeal over the years, and I only wish we had room to invite them all to this occasion.”
Ricky’s support for breastfeeding globally has been previously demonstrated when he turned down a lucrative contract with Nestle in protest over their promotional activities surrounding the sale and marketing of artificial baby milk in the developing world.
To find out more about the Chester and North Wales Milk Bank go to chestermilkbank.org.uk
