Thunderbirds maker backs Alexander Devine charity

Famed television producer Gerry Anderson MBE has agreed to become patron of a charity dedicated to building a children’s hospice in Berkshire.

Mr Anderson – the man behind shows such as Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Stingray and Terrahawks – was this week announced as a new patron of the Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust (ADCCT).

The trust was set up by John and Fiona Devine in memory of their son who died of a rare brain tumour in 1996 at the age of eight.

It is the couple’s aim to raise £1.6million to build a children’s hospice in the Berkshire area to provide respite, support, emergency care and bereavement services in a home-from-home environment.

In another development, the trust has received a £10,000 donation from London-based Haymarket Media Group after their patron, Sir Michael Parkinson, requested a donation to his local charity for his appearance.