PATIENTS at Salisbury Hospital received a very special visit from an Oscar-winning actress.

Olivia Colman CBE – of The Crown, The Favourite and Peep Show fame- is a patron of the hospital’s charity, the Stars Appeal.

She joined the charity’s president, the Earl of Pembroke, and Lady Pembroke on a tour of the spinal treatment centre and the children’s ward, led by Dave Cates, the charity’s director of fundraising.

Olivia has been encouraging people to sign up to this year’s Walk for Wards this Sunday (July 6) to raise money for the charity.

Olivia said: “It was such a pleasure to visit Salisbury Hospital again and to meet so many inspirational patients and families in the spinal centre and children’s ward.

“It was clear to see the difference that the generosity shown by Stars Appeal supporters is making across the hospital.

“As patron, my heartfelt thanks go out to all of our brilliant donors, fundraisers and volunteers.”

Olivia visited seven-year-old Lola Patton, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was five.

READ MORE: Police launches crackdown on illegal e-scooters and e-bikes

READ MORE: Shock as Fisherton Mill put up for sale

Her mum, Chloe Beresford, said: “It was very exciting meeting Olivia Colman.

“It was such a nice surprise and made our day. She is the first actor and celebrity Lola has ever met.”

Lola said her favourite part of the visit was introducing Olivia to all her teddies and chatting about their favourite foods.

Olivia with Lola Patton and her mum Chloe Picture: Spencer Mulholland

On the day of the visit, Lola had been disappointed to miss out on having her school photo taken, but having her picture taken with the Paddington in Peru star helped make up for it.

Lola said: “I can’t believe I met somebody off of a movie. Olivia was really fun and kind.”

Olivia also spent time with nine-year-old Lily-Eva Cole, who is currently undergoing treatment for kidney cancer.

She said: “I loved meeting Olivia Colman. She was fun and playful. She played with me on the play deck and told me a story about buttered bread with hundreds and thousands on top.

“My doctor, Row, opened the play deck for us so I felt like a VIP.”

Olivia with Sarum Ward staff and Lord Pembroke Picture: Spencer Mulholland

58-year-old Mark Houghton MBE, who is being cared for on the Spinal Unit after an accident, met Olivia during his physiotherapy session.

He said: “It was quite emotional, as it was only the second time I’ve been able to stand since my accident, so it was really exciting that Olivia was able to see that.

“I’ve watched all the series of The Crown; it was truly amazing to meet her. I’ll remember all the laughing and jokes.”

Emma Scott, 36, who is being treated in the spinal unit, said: “It was great to meet Olivia, I love her in Peep Show and The Crown.

“She was really sweet and down-to-earth. It was such a surprise to see her here. It lifted everyone’s spirits. I’m really chuffed I got to meet Olivia.”

Sue Newman, 79, who is being treated on the Spinal Unit said: “Meeting Olivia was a really uplifting experience. To see her in the flesh was delightful, she was so very friendly.

“Life on the spinal unit can be really challenging and rewarding. To have a visit from someone like Olivia really lifts your spirits. We were all so delighted to meet her.”

Lord Pembroke said: “Lady Pembroke and I were delighted to welcome Olivia to the hospital and to meet so many patients.

“Olivia’s support is vital to us, and her visit really boosted the morale of all those patients and staff that we had the privilege of meeting.”

Dr Rowena Staples, children’s ward consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Olivia to the children’s ward and to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents who met her.

“It brought so much joy to the children undergoing treatment here, and to their families, who are often experiencing very difficult times. My thanks go to Olivia and Lord and Lady Pembroke.”