Sutton Coldfield video production company Ark Media Productions has been commissioned by Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity to create a television advert as part of a fundraising drive to help sick children in their care.

As a result of the pandemic, the charity has missed out on vital funding as the public have been unable to participate in fundraising events and challenges.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity knew they need to do something proactive to ensure they could continue to raise funds to ensure sick children in their care get the very best treatment, the latest equipment and the most comfortable environment possible.

So, they commissioned Ark to produce their first television advert, which was voiced by Dame Julie Walters. 

Louise McCathie, director of fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The outbreak of Covid-19 has meant that our ability to raise vital funds has been severely restricted this year because so many events have been cancelled or postponed.

"This is our first television advert and we are asking people to donate £5 per month, or whatever they can afford, which will help us to make up the shortfall in income. By doing so, we can carry on supporting the work of our NHS heroes and do more to support research, cutting-edge technology and creating the very best environments for our sick kids.”

Phil Arkinstall, managing director of Ark Media, who produced the ad, said: "Many businesses are put off from advertising on television because they incorrectly believe the process of producing the ad will take too long and the cost of the media buying to be expensive.

"In actual fact the cost can be much cheaper than you think. Especially now, during the pandemic, there have been many offers from different media organisations with starting prices from as little as £3000 and with the ability to target in terms of demographics."

Birmingham Children Hospital Charity started working with Ark Media at the end of September.

The advert was storyboarded, shot and edited within three weeks. The ad will be shown on ITV1 Central West during key day time slots.

You can view the advert here.

You can make a donation to Birmingham Children’s Hospital here.