“I’ve done a lot of wild things and stunts… but when I heard about Lloyd’s adventure, I just thought: I’ve got to meet this guy.” – Tom Cruise
Bristol fundraiser and proud Jessie May Ambassador, Lloyd Kembrey, received the surprise of a lifetime when Tom Cruise walked into what he believed was a routine BBC interview – delivering a jaw‑dropping moment on The One Show for last week’s One Big Thank You. The Hollywood star appeared in person to honour Lloyd’s extraordinary dedication to raising money for Jessie May.
Lloyd has spent much of his life fundraising for Jessie May. This was all in aid of raising funds in honour of his twin cousins, Francesca and Josephine, who were supported by Jessie May. They died from Sanfilippo disease type A – a rare and fatal genetic condition. Lloyd’s fundraising is his way of honouring their memory and ensuring their names continue to be spoken.
Most recently, Lloyd dedicated an entire year to completing a series of adrenaline‑fuelled extreme sporting challenges. His challenge calendar included:
- Climbing Mount Everest on a climbing wall
- A 31 mile (50.2km) ice skating marathon in Finland
- Welsh triathlon
- London Marathon
- Canoeing the length of the River Wye and the Westonbirt Triathlon
- Walking 94 miles (151km) along the Jurassic Coast
- 100 mile (160km) bike ride and a charity wrestling event
- A 24-hour bike ride from California, Norfolk, back to Bristol, and a 9 mile (15km) Tough Mudder assault course
- A relay swim the length of the English Channel
- Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours and the Cardiff Half Marathon
- Sodbury Slog 10 mile (16km) mud run
- Bungee jump
Every mile, every climb, every freezing hour was completed for Francesca, Josephine, and the families Jessie May supports.
The surprise nobody saw coming
Lloyd was invited to London under the guise of filming a BBC documentary about endurance fundraising. The interview took place inside Winston Churchill’s former war office at Raffles London – a detail Lloyd later laughed about, saying he’d looked up the room rate and realised “it was over a grand… it’s a really posh place.”
Twenty minutes into the interview, the door opened… and Tom Cruise walked in.
Producers selected Tom Cruise specifically because of his reputation as an active, high‑energy performer known for doing his own stunts. As someone who pushes himself physically, Tom said he was “in awe” of Lloyd’s relentless charity challenges and the determination behind them.
“I’ve done a lot of wild things and stunts… but when I heard about Lloyd’s adventure, I just thought: I’ve got to meet this guy.” – Tom Cruise
Tom personally thanked Lloyd for his dedication and invited him to the royal film performance and world premiere of his upcoming movie Digger.
Still stunned, Lloyd said:
“I never expected anything like this.”
He added:
“I thought I was going to London for an interview… then Tom Cruise walks in. I couldn’t believe it. I’m just really grateful.”
Lloyd later attended the film premiere with a friend – another surreal moment in an unforgettable week.
“It was mad. Tom Cruise is genuinely a really lovely guy, and it was actually him who suggested we get a selfie. I would have completely forgotten otherwise.”
Messages from family and the Jessie May team
During the One Show segment, Lloyd was also surprised with video messages from people who have been part of his journey.
His aunty and uncle, Julie and Chris Kembrey, parents to Francesca and Josephine, shared their pride and gratitude.
Julie, who still has a close connection to Jessie May, said:
“We’re so proud of you, thank you for everything you’ve done.”
From the Jessie May team, Nurse Care Lead Steve paid tribute to the real‑world impact of Lloyd’s fundraising:
“We see how your money helps every day whilst we’re out supporting families.”
Former CEO Daniel Cheesman added:
“Lloyd is a role model to all of the children and young people that Jessie May supports.”
And in his message directly to Lloyd, he said:
“I know how much the children and families at Jessie May mean to you and we just want to say one big thank you.”
Watch Lloyd’s moment on BBC iPlayer
Lloyd’s One Big Thank You surprise with Tom Cruise is available now on BBC iPlayer – a heartwarming reminder of the power of community, kindness, and determination.
Become an extraordinary fundraiser like Lloyd
Lloyd’s dedication shows just how much one person can achieve when driven by love, memories, and a desire to make life better for seriously ill children.
If you’d like to take on your own challenge or support Jessie May in any way, visit our Support Us page to find out more.
