Dame Judi Dench surprised Aberdeenshire nurse Lewis Platt with a grateful video message and donation to his society on International Nurses Day.
The legendary actress made the surprise donation to Fraserburgh Junior Arts Society (FJAS) as a way to thank Lewis for his “incredibly kind” treatment of her relative.
Mr Platt took care of her relative, Sacha Dench, at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. During her stay at the hospital, Sacha heard all about the society and Lewis’ interest and support for the arts.
In her message, Dame Judi said: “I can’t express how grateful I am – and a whole lot of people are – to you for your care, and your support of the arts too. I hope we meet sometime.”
The society secretary was left further dumbfounded when, in addition to Dame Judi, BAFTA and Tony award winning actress, Dame Joanna Lumley also made a donation to the organisation.
Lewis says that the experience, and Dame Judi’s message to him, has left him “humbled”.
He told STV News: “It was so unexpected as the care I give isn’t for recognition, but it was humbling to be honoured in that way.
“The past two weeks have been a whirlwind – over 10,000 people have viewed the video online.
“I am glad the work and effort I put in helped people, and has helped the society in return.”
According to Lewis, there has been an “influx” of people wanting to donate to the charity by sponsoring chairs, wanting to see their names next to the silver-screen greats.
In her video message, Dame Judi said: “Lewis, I now know all about you from Sacha and I know how incredibly kind and helpful you’ve been to her.
“Thank you so much for that. I also know that you’re involved with the Fraserburgh Junior Arts Society, and that is to say how wonderful you are doing that as well.
“I can’t express how grateful I am – and a whole lot of people are – to you for your care, and your support of the arts too. I hope we meet sometime.”
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