£20,000 Harry Potter fee gives Claire House windfall

Sep 16 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

THE magic of Harry Potter has led to a £20,000 windfall for Claire House.

The money was paid to Merseytravel by Warner Brothers, the makers of the new Harry Potter film, for use of the Birkenhead Tunnel as a location for four nights last week.

None of the main cast members were involved in the shoot.

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel, which owns and operates the two Mersey Tunnels, said: “Claire House was chosen by our staff as our charity of the year – and I am delighted it will benefit from such an iconic children’s character as Harry Potter.”

Based in Bebington, Claire House offers specialist respite care for families of children and young people suffering from life-threatening or life limiting conditions.

Councillor Dowd added: “These youngsters are truly special and we have developed a close affinity with them over the year. It’s great that we will be able to end our year with such a gift.”

The cheque was presented to Councillor Dowd and Neil Scales by film unit director Stephen Woolfenden on the set before filming started.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, who negotiated the contract with Warner Brothers, said: “We arranged for the filming to coincide with the closure of the Queensway Tunnel for routine maintenance.

“There was a confidentiality clause so we’re not allowed to discuss the filming but I can say Harry Potter weaved his magic for Claire House.”