Nicolas Cage to visit RUH charity day
The Oscar-winning actor - who owns Midford Castle on the edge of the city - will join Heartbeat star Jason Durr at the hospital on Friday to take part in the Ted's Big Day Out fundraiser.
Cage will be talking to staff to find out more about the work of the Forever Friends Appeal, and to see the plans for the new neo-natal intensive care unit for which it is raising money.
It is the first high profile engagement for the star in the city he has grown to love.
The American who recently sold his home in the Circus to concentrate on making Midford his main UK residence, will be switching on the city's Christmas lights on November 26.
He will be visiting the hospital with his family from 12.30pm.
Durr, who is best known for his role of PC Mike Bradley in the TV police series, will be giving his teddy a day out.
The actor and his wife Kate spent time in the existing unit this year with their newborn twins Felix and Velvet, and know only too well the need for bigger premises.
Ted's Big Day Out is extra special this year, as it is the 10th anniversary of the appeal.
Across Bath people will be dusting off their teddies, and dressing in the anniversary colours of blue and silver to raise funds for the new NICU unit.
Appeal head of fundraising Tim Hobbs said: "With Ted's Big Day Out celebrating its 10th anniversary year, we are thrilled to be receiving such fabulous support from both our celebrities in helping to raise the last 25 per cent of the funds required to build the new unit for our premature babies.
"It is also a nice way of saying thank you to the staff at the RUH who work tirelessly throughout the year and showing them that their efforts are recognised.
"We are all really looking forward to the celebration activities on Ted's Big Day Out and I hope that everyone across the region that is taking their teddy bears out for the day has a lot of fun whilst raising money for this pioneering and sustainable new unit here at the RUH."
Activities will also include a talent competition, a performance from the RUH choir and appearances from three Bath Rugby players.
The Bath Blues Brothers will be performing on Friday night at The Guildhall in aid of the appeal.
It will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under 12s.
To book call telephone 07795 360001 or visit www.bathbluesbrothers.com.
One in ten babies are born prematurely and need to be cared for in the unit.
The new NICU aims to provide much-needed space and privacy for babies and their families at a time when they need it most.
For more information, visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk or call 01225 825825.
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