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Simon Hickson will be remembered to most as one half of Saturday morning kids' telly duo Trevor and Simon in the 80s and 90s.
But now the 58-year-old has stepped out of the TV screen into a more "rewarding" and different job – bringing joy by managing cinemas for sick children and adults in hospital.
The former Going Live and Live & Kicking star runs CW + MediCinema at Chelsea and Westminster hospital, providing thousands of patients with a chance to watch one of the latest blockbusters during their stay.
The charity was first launched 21 years ago and now has six cinemas in hospitals dotted across the country, including Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary and Serennu Children's Centre in Newport.
Its mission is very simple but effective – to give a sense of normality to patients, whether they are in hospital on drips and respirators, recovering from an operation, undergoing chemotherapy or on dialysis.
The star recently spoke to The Mirror about his life now compared to how it was at the height of his fame.
He told the publication: "I loved working as a children's presenter, but four years ago, Trev and I had not been doing much on-screen stuff and we were mainly writing for kids' sitcoms.
"I was starting to get fed up and I felt I wanted a job that was good for my soul. I am a massive film fan and back in 2017 a friend spotted an advert looking for someone to manage the MediCinema.
"I didn't think I was qualified enough, but my friend persuaded me to apply. I had to prepare a CV that was applicable to the role, though, as mine was, 'he has swung his pants and done stupid sketches!' Amazingly I got the job and I am so pleased I did. Being able to offer something positive is the most rewarding job you can dream of."
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The Chelsea and Westminster cinema seats 40 patients and their family, has space for six wheelchairs and room at the back if patients need to be wheeled in on a bed. There is also emergency resuscitation equipment.
Sixty nurses, also funded by the charity, take it in turns to be at one of the four screenings per week.
A further 80 volunteers, who Simon manages, are on hand to take the patients from their wards to and from the cinema.
And what makes the MediCinema even more special, Simon told The Mirror, is the fact moviemakers have bent over backwards to ensure they are able to screen the latest films. They have even arranged for movie stars, such as Tom Hiddleston, to make special visits.
It comes as no surprise to hear that the coronavirus pandemic has put a massive spanner in the works.
All cinemas were shut in lockdown and the charity estimates it will have lost £1million in income before the end of the year. But a month ago, three MediCinemas reopened, including Simon's, with social distancing measures in place. Up to eight patients and family members can now attend with two nurses also present.
"I'm so pleased we are back up and running again," he says. "Just think about the relief we all felt being able to eat out again after lockdown.
"MediCinema gives patients a sense of normality."
For more details, or if you would like to donate, go to medicinema.org.uk. During lockdown, Simon has undertaken 20 movie-themed challenges. Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-hickson4
- BBC
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