Bristol celebrity and 'Southmead baby' Justin Lee Collins has officially launched Shine together at a mass gathering of supporters.

Justin, who was born at Southmead hospital in 1974, met with staff including nurses, doctors and fundraising supporters as he helped launch the new fund.

Justin said "It is the personal connection that makes a big difference to me. Southmead is where I was born so it was easy to say yes to supporting Shine Together. I always look for that Bristol connection which really means something to me. It is wonderful to do something to support a charity close to home and on your doorstep."

Money raised from Shine together will help purchase new specialised equipment, deliver enhanced care to patients, and allow research to be carried out at the hospitals.

Head of Fundraising for Shine together Trevor Reid said, “We’re delighted that Justin Lee Collins is helping us launch our brand new charity fund and returning to the hospital that brought him into the world.

“The funds we raise go straight to helping patients and staff and really make a difference. We’re so grateful to Justin for showing his support to the charity and I would urge everyone who wants to support Southmead and Frenchay hospitals to show they want to Shine together with us!”

See more pictures from the launch at our FaceBook page. Click here.