Liverpool actress Leanne Best does her bit for Marie Curie Nurses

Liverpool-born actress Leanne Best has helped unveil a new respite space for nursing staff at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool.

Leanne, best known for her roles in TV dramas such as Ripper Street, Cold Feet and Line of Duty, officially opened the new space, co-designed by staff at the hospice, along with singer/songwriter Alexia Chellun and, Clare Beloved from Toxteth, who fundraised for the project.

Clare’s wife, Sandra, was admitted to the Marie Curie Hospice in Woolton in June 2020 and started an online fundraiser where the couple encouraged people to download a digital copy of Sandra’s poetry, Most Women I Know, and post a video of themselves reading their favourite poem.

Leanne Best in the new staff room at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool

The campaign quickly gathered support from a host of celebrities, including Leanne, broadcaster Jon Snow, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and actress Alison Steadman, who shared their own videos.

Sandra died at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool on 25 August 2021 and Clare has continued her fundraising legacy. To date the couple have raised over £22,000 for Marie Curie.

Alexia Chellun with Leanne Best and Marie Curie Supporter, Clare Beloved

Leanne, 42, has recently lent her talents to supporting Clare’s fundraising by staring in a play at the Epstein Theatre, written by Clare and based on the poems and words of her late wife whilst she was in the Marie Curie Hospice. The production, entitled A Very Liverpool Love Story, focussed on the themes of love, loss, and grief, and also stared The Crown’s Yolanda Kettle.

Leanne Best said:

“I was blown away by how stunning the staff room was – it’s so well deserved for all the hard work, love and energy the Marie Curie staff give every day. It’s a magical gift for Valentine’s Day from two people who know just how important the care and support from organisations like Marie Curie can be.”