Christmas is a particularly difficult time of year for children to be in hospitals and hospices so this festive period, Starlight Children’s Foundation will bring a large dose of fun and laughter to children at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust when the charity’s travelling pantomime pays a visit on Friday, December 1.

Starlight is a national charity that grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK. Over the eight-week tour, the Starlight Christmas Pantomime, which this year is Cinderella, will visit 92 children’s wards throughout Great Britain.

Every year, Starlight provides entertainment and distraction to over half a million sick children and the Starlight Christmas Pantomime will give over 1,000 children something to look forward to, the chance to forget their worries and get into the festive spirit.

Gill Caddy, play specialist at Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, said: “We know that play can significantly help to improve a child’s hospital experience and we are very grateful to Starlight’s Christmas Pantomime for helping restore some festive fun to the ward.

"It provides our young patients with a welcome break from treatment and allows them to forget about their illness for a short while and experience the magic of Christmas; something that every child deserves.”

Matt Lee-Alliston, managing director of The Panto Company, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Starlight to bring this interactive performance to so many hospitalised children. Our acting troupe can’t wait to hit the road and bring some laughter and excitement to poorly children across the country this Christmas.”