(Image: Martin House Children's Hospice)
LEGENDARY filmmaker and broadcaster Louis Theroux found himself in the hot seat during a recent visit to Martin House Children’s Hospice.
The documentary filmmaker and broadcaster visited the hospice in Boston Spa on Tuesday (October 6), where he toured the newly transformed facilities and met children and families supported by the charity.
During his visit, Louis explored the new children’s wing and hydrotherapy pool, and learned about the specialist palliative care Martin House provides to children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
But the visit took an unexpected turn when he was interviewed by seven-year-old Hooriya, who is supported by the hospice and had prepared a list of questions for him.
He said: "It was my first time visiting a children’s hospice and I was really impressed by the facilities.
"Everyone at Martin House has made me feel incredibly welcome.
"I really enjoyed meeting Hooriya and being interviewed by her.
"I’m normally the one asking the questions, so it was a bit of a role reversal – I’ve certainly never had an interview quite like it before."
The interview, which covered everything from his childhood to his favourite chocolate (Revels), was filmed and shared on Martin House’s social media channels.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive of Martin House, said: "We were delighted to welcome Louis to Martin House and give him the opportunity to see first-hand the care and support we provide.
"What really stood out was the time he took with the children and families he met.
"They told us afterwards how genuinely interested he was in hearing their stories and how much they valued having the opportunity to talk openly about their experiences.
"For some, simply having that conversation meant a great deal, and meeting Louis will be a memory they treasure for years to come.
"And of course, Hooriya did a fantastic job of turning the tables on one of the country’s best-known interviewers.
"We hope their conversation will give people a glimpse of the warmth, fun and personality that is such an important part of life at Martin House."
The hospice recently completed a £21.9 million transformation of its hospice, creating new children’s and young people’s bedrooms, sensory spaces, enhanced clinical facilities and a hydrotherapy pool.
Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people each year across West, North, and East Yorkshire, offering care at the hospice, in hospitals, and in family homes.
The charity relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its £13 million annual running costs.