Actor and singer Michael Crawford has revealed that the most 'frightening time' of his life inspired him to spend 40 years helping sick children and their families across the UK. The 84-year-old star, best known for his role as Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and as the original Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, spoke to the Mirror as he attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Sick Children's Trust's 11th 'Home from Home' in Bradford.
A Personal Tragedy
Crawford explained that his involvement with the charity began after his six-month-old daughter Emma contracted meningitis. 'For most parents, I would think it is the most frightening thing of their lifetime. The child that you've created is between life and death. It's something that never ever leaves you and you become so sympathetic to anyone else that it happens to. That's what's drawn me all the way through,' he said.
Emma was staying with her grandparents in Portsmouth when she fell ill. Crawford recalled: 'My wife obviously had to stay next to the bed every minute because of the danger of meningitis. She was just six months old and thank God everything was all right.' It took Emma six months to recover, and Crawford noted with emotion that she celebrated her 60th birthday last week.
The Bradford 'Home from Home'
The new facility in Bradford will provide accommodation for families of sick children, allowing them to stay close to their loved ones in hospital. More than £2 million of the £3 million fundraising target has been raised, but further donations are needed. Jane Featherstone from the Sick Children's Trust said: 'It was very much needed. Parents and families will be seconds away from their poorly baby.'
Gratitude for Frank Spencer and the NHS
Crawford expressed gratitude that the character Frank Spencer 'crossed my path,' calling it 'a gift' that allowed him to help parents. He also praised the NHS, contrasting it with his experience in the United States when Emma was ill and a hospital refused treatment due to lack of insurance. 'The NHS has a heart and soul. We should be so grateful and so supportive of it. That's not being political, it's just humane,' he said.
Honoured by President Trump
Despite his reluctance to be political, Crawford received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kennedy Centre from Donald Trump, who played The Phantom of the Opera during the event. Crawford took his daughters Emma and Lucy to the ceremony, calling it 'the best five days I've had in a number of years.' Trump, he said, was 'amazing' and had Crawford's music on the White House and Air Force One playlists.
A Lasting Legacy
Reflecting on his career, Crawford said the Phantom 'changed my entire life,' allowing him to sing with emotion and connect with audiences. His favourite leading lady was Dale Kristien, with whom he toured the world. He also maintains a close bond with Michelle Dotrice, who played his on-screen wife Betty, saying they 'still talk every week.'
The Sick Children's Trust urgently needs to raise another £800,000 to complete the Bradford project. Donations can be made via their website.
