Look To The Stars News: Richard Hammond

Celebrities Select Favorite Poetry For Charity Book

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0000

A book of children’s poems, selected by famous British personalities including Phil Tufnell, Richard Hammond and Sienna Miller as their ‘childhood favourite’, has been launched in aid of The Children’s Trust, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009.

The anthology of poems at just £4.99 – with £4.50 from each book going directly to the charity – will make a wonderful stocking filler for children.

Amongst other celebrities who have submitted their favourite verses are: award-winning author Jacqueline Wilson, Elaine Paige, Paul O’Grady, McFly, Lorraine Kelly, Quentin Blake, Rebecca Romero, Henry Winkler, Michael Absalom, Penny Smith, Lucy Speed, Simon Shaw, Helen Skelton, Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), Andrew Castle, Vic Reeves and Nancy Sorrell, with poetry writing tips from Colin West. Adding her support to the charity’s commemorative fundraising project, is the UK’s new poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, who has written the foreword.

The book of poetry and illustrations also includes a witty verse – based on a theme ‘Laughter – what makes you laugh?’ – written by 10-year-old Francesca Major from Looe, Cornwall, winner of a recent national, children’s competition aimed at budding young writers. The winning verse is featured with some of the nation’s most famous poems, including The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll, which has been selected by famous illustrator, Quentin Blake, whose special illustration of the poem appears on the front cover of the book. All the additional illustrations for the book are by children from The Children’s Trust.

Francesca Major’s school – Polperro Primary School, Looe, will also benefit from her success by receiving £500 worth of Walker books. The official poetry book launch, which will be a special celebration for press, celebrities and young people, including children from The Children’s Trust, will be hosted by The Draycott Education Centre and Draycott Nursing and Care in Chelsea at the end of October.

Money from the sale of the poetry books will help to enhance the lives of children with severe disabilities. The Children’s Trust is a British charity that provides care, education and therapy for children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs, and rehabilitation services to children with an acquired brain injury.

Published in association with Walker Books, the paperback can be purchased on-line from The Children’s Trust at: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/walrusbook.

Race The Original Stig For Charity

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of the British motoring show Top Gear – hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – will be interested to hear about a new charity auction in which you have the chance to race against The Stig – the TV show’s tame racing driver whose identity is a closely guarded secret.

The original Stig was clad in black overalls and a black helmet, but was “killed off” when his identity was revealed as Perry McCarthy. And it is this Black Stig that features in this auction, which aims to raise money for Transaid.

There are 10 chances to race the Original Stig – AKA Perry McCarthy – at London’s premier karting circuit The Raceway on August 25. The day will start with a 10 minute qualifying session followed by 2 intense 25 minute races. The top three drivers will then climb the podium to receive their trophies!

Transaid is an international development charity that seeks to reduce poverty and improve quality of life through providing better access to essential services such as health, education and economic opportunities in Africa and across the developing world. By working with the UK transport and logistics industry, Transaid builds local skills and knowledge to make transport cheaper, safer, cleaner and more effective. Funds raised from this auction will greatly benefit their professional driver training project in Zambia and their work to improve access to healthcare for women and children in Nigeria.

Access the auction, which only has a few days left to run, by clicking here.

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation’s Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Proceeds will go to the well-being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel.

To find out more, click here.

Emma Watson Among Charity Plate Designers

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The BBC’s longest running children’s show, Blue Peter, has announced a raft of celebrities from the worlds of showbiz and sport who have been enlisted to create their own designer dinner plates for a special auction in aid of its annual appeal, Mission Nutrition.

Bidding starts on Wednesday 28 January 2009 in a one-off special eBay auction.

Top names including Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy, Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park, TV star Richard Hammond and Hollywood actors Emma Watson (Harry Potter_), Claire Danes and Andy Serkis (_Lord of the Rings’ Gollum) have all contributed to the auction.

Other unique plates have been designed by Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and Sam Aston, members of the Holby City cast such as Tina Hobley, Amanda Mealing and Hugh Quarshie, as well as George Sampson, Hugh Dancy, Eliza Bennett plus many more.

Money raised from the sale of the plates will help the appeal achieve its ambitious target of putting two million meals on plates for children around the world.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I really enjoyed designing my plate and am so pleased to have the chance to help children around the world eat nutritious food. I’m going to be carefully watching the bidding so make sure you get competitive! Together, the more money we raise, the more young people we can help around the world. I’ve joined the Mission. Will you?”

Tim Levell, Editor of Blue Peter, said: “This is one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done for a Blue Peter appeal. We’re delighted that so many stars are helping us get toward our target of two million meals. By auctioning just a few plates designed by celebrities, we’ll be able to help put food on the plates of many thousands of hungry children around the world.”

For its biggest appeal yet, Blue Peter has partnered for the first time with three charities: ContinYou, the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, and Save the Children.

Through Mission Nutrition, Blue Peter will help children in the UK, as well as in Bangladesh, Colombia and South Africa, making the appeal truly global as the long-running children’s program celebrates its 50th birthday.

Go to www.eBay.co.uk/charity and click on the Mission Nutrition banner to start bidding and help Blue Peter’s Mission Nutrition Appeal reach its target of putting two million meals on plates for children around the world.

Children In Need Concert Makes History

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British broadcasters Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, and Fearne Cotton hosted the annual BBC Children in Need charity concert on Friday, November 14.

The epic seven hour show featured performances from the Sugababes, Boyzone, Leon Jackson, McFly, the Stereophonics, John Barrowman, Il Divo, Jason Donovan Russell Watson, Alesha Dixon, Razorlight, Sharleen Spiteri and many others. Girls Aloud also made a special appearance, and there were surprise contributions from Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Black, Will Young, Richard Hammond, and Stevie Wonder. Take That donated £250,000 from their ticket sales and a recent Marks and Spencer modeling deal.

But perhaps the funniest highlights of the night came from a performance of Abba hits from six BBC newsreaders. The cast of Eastenders also took to the stage for a song and dance.

A total of £20,991,216 had been raised at the end of the broadcast making it likely that donations could be higher than last year’s total of £37 million.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the way the country has come together in support of BBC Children in Need, demonstrating such generosity in these tough times, and I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved,” said David Ramsden, BBC Children in Need chief executive. “We can now focus our attention on finding more great projects that can change young lives for the better.”

Stars To Attend Coma Patient's Gala

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A gala to raise funds for charity in the name of a 17-year-old British coma patient will take place this Saturday.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since she was involved in a car accident last October, and her plight has attracted a wide range of celebrities to step forth and help raise the funds needed to provide her with care. Earlier this year her parents set up the Sophie’s Gift Fundraising Program on behalf of the Southampton Hospital Trust to raise the £250,000 (US$500,000) needed to provide Sophie with a Mobile CT Scanner. As well as receiving a video and words of encouragement from Johnny Depp, Sophie has also got support from the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, and Chris Tarrant.

Sophie’s parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, have also established a database of celebrity voices to help wake up other coma patients. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Amanda Holden are just some of the names who have already committed to the initiative.

The Sophie’s Gift Gala Dinner will take place on the 5th July at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, with proceeds to go to the Southampton Hospital Charity. Tickets are still available from www.sophies-gift.com for £65 each. Attendees can expect live entertainment and a spectacular auction and gala dinner, with several celebrities – such as Chris Tarrant and Mike Osman – scheduled to make an appearance.

Johnny Depp Gives Wake Up Call To Coma Sufferer

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:33:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A 17-year-old British girl is showing the first signs of waking up from a coma, and her parents are now enlisting celebrities to help with a new charity to help others with the same problem.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since a horror car crash in November last year, and over the past few days she has started to become aware of what is going on around her, focusing on people, responding to voice commands and making vocalisations. Her parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, are thrilled but say now is the crucial time to get their daughter listening to as many different voice recordings as possible to make sure she continues to improve, and have enlisted the help of several high profile celebrities to help them. And the response from famous voices has been so strong that the couple now want to start up a service for other coma sufferers.

Johnny Depp, Sharon Osbourne, and Top Gear’s Richard Hammond have all pledged their support for the initiative, and Depp also recorded a tape of physical commands for Sophie in the voice of his Pirates of the Caribbean character, Captain Jack Sparrow.

“When someone is in a coma, it’s important to find that key to unlocking them out of the coma,” said Alison Wilkinson. “It could be a smell, a sound, or a voice. In Sophie’s case we knew she was a huge fan of Johnny so we thought that if she heard his voice it may wake her. We realised what a great idea it would be to have a bank of celebrity voices reading out specific commands that the doctors have issued. No matter who a person’s favourite star is, their family could get a tape from our Wake Up bank. Nobody knows what the right key will be but anything is worth a try, and if we can make that easier for families in our situation it will be worth it.”

Andrew Wilkinson is also excited about the charity initiative idea: “We were over the moon when Johnny agreed to record a tape, and now more stars are signing up it’s fantastic. We have had lots of promises from people, but only a few have actually sent recordings. Now that Sophie is showing signs of responding to certain voices it’s the critical time to get her listening to as many different voices as possible. That is why our Wake Up charity is so important, because people in the future will not have to wait like we are at this vital time. Having all the voices in a bank will mean we can get them to the families quicker and celebrities only have to do one recording.”

The couple are also holding a special charity gala ball on July 5 at the Botley Park Hotel Golf and Country Club. Tickets can be purchased by contacting tickets@sophies-gift.com. More information can be found at www.sophies-gift.com.

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