Animal therapy service Noah's A.R.T. founder Sharon Hall and her son Jason stepped into the limelight at The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals.

They had the honour of joining host Jason Manford on the red carpet as they represented the hundreds of good causes that have benefited from funding raised by National Lottery players during the pandemic. 

Sharon and Jason met celebrity Jason at the event staged at Manchester's AO Arena. 

The one-of-a-kind night of musicals spectacular was held to thank National Lottery players who have helped keep arts and theatre groups, like Dukinfield-based Noah's A.R.T., going during the pandemic with a total of £228 million of funding going to the arts. 

Noah's A.R.T. - which has received £164,000 of National Lottery funding - has announced plans to expand and help even more people who are suffering from mental health problems and low self-esteem. 

Sharon, a mental health nurse, said: "It was amazing to meet Jason on the red carpet and represent all the organisations that have benefited from National Lottery funding. 

"We all feel very excited and inspired by Big Night of Musicals - and in particular The Lion King! We definitely subscribe to the Hakuna Matata lifestyle!" 

Cameron, despite struggling with depression himself, has worked with a group of excluded students to write a story about animals. 

They created the props and a short film before going on to perform to an audience. As a result of helping these young people, Cameron has started a songwriting degree at BIMM Manchester. 

He said: "I'm a big musicals fan so it was brilliant to be invited to see the show. Noah's A.R.T. has helped me in so many ways, now I want to help them in return. 

"It was fantastic to meet Jason and see all of the stars - particularly at a time when Noah's A.R.T. is hoping to expand - and I am starting my own career path thanks to the support which Noah's A.R.T. has given to me." 

Noah's A.R.T. supports people across the region and provides a vital lifeline to hundreds of those most in need during lockdown. It has a 'Noah's ark' of specially trained animals who are providing this new lease of life. 

From dogs, rabbits and rats to stick insects and tortoises - all of the animals play a key role supporting everyone, from children in school who may be feeling anxious and struggling to settle in, to people with autism, learning difficulties, anxiety and depression. 

The social enterprise, now in its seventh year, has identified how animal therapy could have a strong impact and literally turn lives around for people of all ages and with varying needs of support. 

Sharon said it has always been her big passion to try to bridge the gap for people moving from hospital back into the community. 

She explained: "This can be a very difficult step. It is all about trying to build self-esteem, helping to improve memory and social skills and it really is incredible the impact which an animal can have in helping people to achieve these things. 

"It is all about feeling in a safe place and when someone has been through a particularly challenging time in their lives, the opportunity to re-build their confidence by nurturing an animal, stroking it and experiencing the joy this brings to the animal, encouraging it to feed or even feeling it snuggle against them really can have a big influence. 

"It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that our animals have changed lives." 

The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals was aired on BBC One last Saturday, featuring some of the best musicals from the world of theatre and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. 

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