Michael Crawford, the actor best known for his role in 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em', has revealed how his daughter's battle with meningitis inspired four decades of charity work. The 84-year-old spoke to the Mirror at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Sick Children's Trust's 11th 'Home from Home' in Bradford, which is set to open next year.
Crawford, who serves as President of the Sick Children's Trust, recalled the 'frightening time' when his six-month-old daughter Emma contracted meningitis. 'For most parents, it is the most frightening thing of their lifetime. The child that you've created is between life and death,' he said. Emma, who spent six months recovering, celebrated her 60th birthday last week.
The actor explained that the experience left him deeply sympathetic to other families in similar situations. 'It's something that never ever leaves you and you become so sympathetic to anyone else that it happens to,' he added. The charity has raised over £2 million of its £3 million target for the new Bradford facility, but further donations are needed.
Crawford praised the NHS, describing its staff as 'extraordinary' and 'wonderful'. He contrasted this with a personal experience in New York, where his daughter was initially refused treatment due to lack of insurance. 'The NHS, there's a heart and soul to it. We should be so grateful and so supportive of it,' he said.
The actor, who originated the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, also credited his character Frank Spencer as a 'gift' that allowed him to help sick children and their families. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kennedy Centre, presented by Donald Trump, and took his daughters Emma and Lucy as a treat.
