Documentary filmmaker and broadcaster Louis Theroux found himself on the other side of the questions during a visit to Martin House Children’s Hospice this week.

Louis visited the hospice in Boston Spa on Tuesday 6 October, where he was given a tour of its newly transformed facilities and met children and families supported by Martin House.

During the visit, he saw the new children’s wing and hydrotherapy pool, as well as learning more about the specialist palliative care and support Martin House provides to children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families.

But the tables were turned when Louis met seven-year-old Hooriya, who is supported by Martin House and had prepared some questions of her own for the experienced interviewer.

Hooriya quizzed Louis about everything from what he was like as a child to his favourite chocolate ('revels'), as well as asking what he thought of Martin House.

Louis Theroux said: “It was my first time visiting a children’s hospice and I was really impressed by the facilities. Everyone at Martin House has made me feel incredibly welcome.”

“I really enjoyed meeting Hooriya and being interviewed by her. I’m normally the one asking the questions, so it was a bit of a role reversal - I’ve certainly never had an interview quite like it before.”

The interview was filmed during Louis’ visit and has been shared on Martin House’s social media channels.
Clair Holdsworth, Chief Executive of Martin House, said: “We were delighted to welcome Louis to Martin House and give him the opportunity to see first-hand the care and support we provide.”

“What really stood out was the time he took with the children and families he met. They told us afterwards how genuinely interested he was in hearing their stories and how much they valued having the opportunity to talk openly about their experiences. For some, simply having that conversation meant a great deal, and meeting Louis will be a memory they treasure for years to come.”

“And of course, Hooriya did a fantastic job of turning the tables on one of the country’s best-known interviewers. We hope their conversation will give people a glimpse of the warmth, fun and personality that is such an important part of life at Martin House.”

Martin House recently completed a £21.9 million transformation of its hospice, creating new and improved facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, new children’s and young people’s bedrooms, sensory spaces and enhanced clinical facilities.

Each year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across West, North and East Yorkshire. Care is provided at the hospice in Boston Spa, in hospitals and in families’ own homes.

Providing this specialist care costs around £13 million every year, with the majority coming from voluntary donations and fundraising.

For further information about Martin House Children's Hospice and how to support it, visit: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/