Pam Ayres has revealed the personal reason for her sold-out upcoming Wyvern Theatre show on October 4 which is raising money for Brighter Futures, the registered charity of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The poet, comedian and songwriter who shot to fame though Opportunity Knocks had her 2020 tour postponed until this Autumn but recently visited Swindon to take part in a media event where she revealed there's a personal reason behind her choice of charity.

"It’s my gesture of thanks to the Midwifery team at the Great Western Hospital after their marvellous handling of the traumatic delivery of my granddaughter who was found to have Phoetal Bradicardia which means an undetectable heat beat." she said.

"My daughter in law said the hospital team went into immediate response mode following the delay of an ambulance and enabled the safe delivery of her baby.

"She says the support shown was so amazing she felt like they were the only people in the hospital, even though staff were also supporting so many other patients."

Kathryn Owen, a Midwifery Nurse at the GWH says “This is a fantastic show of support by Pam. There is equipment we need, to give even better experiences for mothers and babies. Pam’s generosity is very much appreciated”.

A spokesperson from the Wyvern said: "We are thrilled to welcome Pam Ayres back to the Wyvern Theatre for her concert in aid of Brighter Futures’ Better Births Appeal this October.

"It is such an important cause, and we are delighted to be able to support their appeal in this way.

"Alongside Pam, we will be encouraging audience members to dig deep and spare a little change for bucket collections after the show."

Jane Leighton from Brighter Futures said: "We are so grateful to the fabulous Pam Ayres for putting on this special concert at the Wyvern Theatre to benefit our Better Births fundraising appeal.

"It is such a wonderful way to thank our fantastic maternity unit at Great Western Hospital for the support they give to families.

"Everyone buying a ticket for the show will be helping to enhance the care offered to 4,000 babies a year.

"We are so looking forward to the show!"