Look To The Stars News: Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry Features In The Library Book For Charity

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

In The Library Book, published for National Libraries Day on 4 February, twenty-three of the UK’s most outstanding writers describe libraries real or imagined, past, present, and future – why they matter and to whom.

Recognising that without libraries we would not have the writers of today and tomorrow, The Library Book’s contributors are all donating their royalties to The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to inspire more people to read more.

Included in the book are Anita Anand, Julian Barnes, Bella Bathurst, Alan Bennett, Michael Brooks, James Brown, Ann Cleeves, Stephen Fry, Seth Godin, Susan Hill, Tom Holland, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Lucy Mangan, Val McDermid, China Miéville, Caitlin Moran, Kate Mosse, Julie Myerson, Bali Rai, Lionel Shriver, Karin Slaughter, Zadie Smith and Nicky Wire.

Stars Line Up For The Return Of The Secret Policeman's Ball

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The Secret Policeman’s Ball is back – and its heading for America!

Amnesty International’s legendary charity show – featuring a plethora of music and comedy talent – will hit the Radio City Music Hall on March 4. Organizers have confirmed Coldplay, Russell Brand, Mumford & Sons, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Reggie Watts as part of the lineup, with more to come.

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

Stars Choose Sad Songs For Blue Mood Month

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

British mental health charity SANE has teamed up with Feeling Gloomy & Spotify to harness the power of music to lift everyone’s spirits and encourage people to connect more with friends and family.

Blue Mood Month launches January 16th and will run throughout 2012 as part of SANE’s 25th Anniversary Black Dog Campaign.

January can be a difficult time for many people. Cold, post Christmas bills, no holidays in sight and, with the economy as it is, worries for the year stretching ahead. It is no coincidence that the month contains ‘Blue Monday’, the third Monday of January, reckoned to be the gloomiest day of the year! The combined effect of all these pressures and stresses can have a damaging effect on mental health and wellbeing.

Celebrate Douglas Adams' 60th Birthday With The Stars For Charity

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:35:00 +0000

On what would have been Douglas Adams’ 60th birthday next year, the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy author’s family and friends – in association with Save the Rhino (one of Douglas’ favourite charities) – will be throwing a very special party in his honor.

An evening’s entertainment from some of the finest names in the world of science, comedy, conservation and music, this is one event that is definitely not to be missed. Rock stars of science such as Professor Brian Cox, Robin Ince and Jon Culshaw will talk on life, the universe and everything. Clive Anderson will interview Terry Jones and Michael Palin about Douglas’ comedy legacy and his influences, including Monty Python. Special comedy performances will feature The Meaning Of Liff’s John Lloyd, as well as Stephen Mangan, Sanjeev Bhaskar and many more, plus special guests from ‘Radio Active’

Help Stop The Tiger Trade In China

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The Environmental Investigation Agency and a number of stars are endorsing a new petition calling on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on tiger trade.

The petition has been organised by TigerTime, an initiative of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation which has garnered mass public and celebrity support to raise awareness of the plight of the world’s last remaining wild tigers and campaign to reverse its decline.

The petition urges: “I appeal to Premier Wen Jiabao to send a clear message to his government, calling for an end to all tiger trade within China. This is to include a call for a zero tolerance policy applied to all trade of all parts and derivatives of tiger and other protected Asian big cats, from all sources.”

GaydayRadio Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For World AIDS Day

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

GaydarRadio in the UK is marking World AIDS Day on 1 December by raising money for the National AIDS Trust and auctioning digital radios that have been signed by a host of stars, including George Michael, JLS, The Wanted, Olly Murs, Steps, Stephen Fry, Paul O’Grady, Gary Barlow and Kelly Rowland.

Bidding starts on Wednesday 23 November on eBay and runs until December 3.

NAT is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. They provide fresh thinking, expertise and practical resources. They champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change. GaydarRadio is urging people to dig deep and show their support for this incredible charity whose work, both on the front-line and behind the scenes, has a direct positive impact on the lives of those who are HIV+ in the UK.

Spell Better Than Stephen Fry For Charity

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Stephen Fry is to take part in a live reverse spellathon for charity.

The British broadcaster has thrown his support behind a new spelling app created by Mencap that allows users to raise money for the charity while playing a fantastic game that asks players to spell words backwards.

The online event will be split into three live games – Stephen vs. Primary/Elementary children, Stephen vs. Secondary/Middle/High School students and Stephen vs. Adults – and will consist of players from each category spell backwards as many words as they can in 15 minutes. Anyone who beats Stephen’s score will receive a certificate.

U2 And Sting Donate Items To Rainforest Foundation Charity Auction

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Sting’s The Rainforest Foundation UK will again be hosting a brilliant online celebrity charity auction event called 12 Days of Christmas.

Auction lots are an array of very desirable gift items available to any online bidders wanting to score hot gift items for their friends and family while helping a good cause. 200 fabulous guilt-free gifts have been generously donated by celebrities, luxury labels and a variety of big, eco and independent brands all of whom want to help raise money to protect the world’s rainforests.

Sting's Rainforest Foundation Announces Christmas Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

After the amazing success of last year’s event, The Rainforest Foundation UK will again be hosting a brilliant online gift auction event called 12 Days of Christmas.

Auction lots include an array of very desirable gift items available to any online bidders wanting to score hot gift items for their friends and family while helping a good cause. 200 fabulous guilt-free gifts have been generously donated by celebrities, luxury labels and a variety of big, eco and independent brands all of whom want to help raise money to protect the world’s rainforests.

Auction lots include signed items from Sting, U2, Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench and Emma Thompson, red carpet dresses from John Galliano, new season clothing, shoes and accessories direct from 2011 London and Paris Fashion Weeks, an Addict/Endeaver snowboard, amazing designer bags from the likes of Valentino (donated by STYLEBOP.com) and Coach, homewares from Squint, Fat Boy and Furniture Magpies, signed art from Rob Ryan and Paul Insect, sports gear from Rapha, O’Neill and North Face, baking lessons and baked goods from Primrose Bakery, You Make A Cake & Cake Pop Princess, plus VIP gig & show tickets from Zane Lowe, The National Ballet, Soundcrash and The Warehouse Project, and ethical gifts, music packs, Michelin-starred dinners, hampers, luxury hotel stays, pamper days and even a place in a top football school for the little ones!

Samantha Fox To Shock Politicians Into Action Over Tiger Conservation

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0000

International singer, impassioned tiger conservationist, humanitarian and former model, Sam Fox, aims to shock MPs and politicians into action to save the tiger in the wild at an event outside the House of Commons at 1pm on Wednesday 26th October.

With only an estimated 3,200 wild tigers left on earth, Sam has joined TigerTime, the global campaign to save the tiger.

Annie Lennox: HIV Ambassador For London

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has joined Stephen Fry in supporting The London AIDS Memorial Campaign to create a lasting memorial in London to remember those that have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.

“Despite the fact that HIV/AIDS has been around for several decades, one of the biggest challenges is the all pervasive stigma which still continues to keep the issue shrouded in secrecy, ignorance, fear and shame, whether you live in Camaroon or Camden,” said Lennox, HIV Ambassador for London. “An AIDS memorial in the heart of London would set a wonderful example to other cities, and send out a powerful statement to the world, not only by acknowledging those who have been taken in the pandemic, but would also call attention to the fact that HIV/AIDS has not gone away, and is still devastating millions of people’s lives… potentially our sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. I wholeheartedly endorse this proposal.”

Stephen Fry Attends Celebrity Charity Event For Freddie Mercury's Birthday

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry, Fearne Cotton and Matt Lucas were some of the stars who turned out at a charity event in London on Monday to celebrate the 65th birthday of the late great Freddie Mercury.

Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor also attended the event – held at the Savoy Hotel – to raise money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

“Freddie would have been 65 this year, and even though physically he is not here, his presence seems more potent than ever,” wrote Queen guitarist Brian May in a special Google Blog. “Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected. He gave people proof that a man could achieve his dreams—made them feel that through him they were overcoming their own shyness, and becoming the powerful figure of their ambitions. And he lived life to the full. He devoured life. He celebrated every minute. And, like a great comet, he left a luminous trail which will sparkle for many a generation to come.”

Celebrities Call On World Leaders For Urgent Horn Of Africa Funds

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

A group of global artists, activists and business leaders have signed a joint letter urging world leaders to step up their response to the famine in the Horn of Africa. They call on them to act “without reservation, prevarication or equivocation” when they meet at an emergency summit in Rome.

Among the signatories are Annie Lennox, Bob Geldof, Simon Cowell, Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry, Eddie Izzard, Kristin Scott Thomas, and representatives from charities such as Oxfam, the ONE Campaign, Comic Relief, CAFOD, ActionAid, Save the Children and many others.

“As we write, more than 11 million people are suffering the great agony of the worst famine in Africa for many years. It is incomprehensible that in 2011 anyone should die of starvation. $600 million* is needed now for our fellow humans. Not a great sum for the world, even in a time of great economic difficulty for some. Last week European leaders found over hundred times this amount to shore up the euro and bail out banks, yet countries like France, Italy, the Arab States and Germany have so far given miniscule amounts of money to prevent people dying from hunger. Surely this must be unacceptable? A true measure of strength is how one cares for the weak. A true test of power is how one protects the frail.

Stephen Fry Named As Mental Health Charity President

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry has been announced as the new President of Mind – a UK charity that campaigns vigorously to create a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all – taking over from Melvyn Bragg, who is stepping down after fifteen years in the role.

Melvyn Bragg, Stephen Fry and Paul Farmer

Stars Send Birthday Wishes To Hearing Loss Charity

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The UK’s largest charity for the deaf and hard-of-hearing is celebrating its 100th birthday by changing its name – and a host of celebrities are sending birthday wishes.

Action on Hearing Loss is the new name of RNID, but their aims are still the same – they offer a range of services for people with hearing loss, including people who are proufoundly deaf and they aim to achieve a radically better quality of life for people with all levels of hearing loss throughout the UK. Their work includes campaigning and lobbying; providing training, products and equipment; and medical and technological research.

Royal Wedding Hat Raises Over £81,000 For Charity

Sun, 22 May 2011 19:40:00 +0000

The charity auction for the unique hat worn by Princess Beatrice at the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton has just ended, with over £81,000 being raised for two organizations close to the young princess’ heart.

The auction began on Thursday 12 May, with an initial £5,000 bid from UNICEF UK Ambassador Duncan Bannatyne. The final amount raised was £81,100.01.

Celebrities Bid On Royal Wedding Hat For Charity

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The eBay bidding frenzy continues for Princess Beatrice’s hat, with the current auction value standing at £20,300.

Princess Beatrice’s hat, designed by Philip Treacy, was auctioned last week to raise funds for UNICEF and Children In Crisis.

To date, the auction page on eBay has received over 600,000 views, with more than 44,000 eBay users registered to watch. The auction began on Thursday 12 May, with an initial £5,000 bid from UNICEF UK Ambassador Duncan Bannatyne.

Stephen Fry Tweets For Animal Testing Ban

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry has tweeted a message urging his followers to support a petition calling on politicians to ban animal testing for cosmetics in Europe.

“No beauty in animal cruelty, Do sign #CrueltyFree2013 petition to ban animal-tested cosmetics,” he tweeted.

The petition is from Humane Society International, and states:

Stephen Fry Crowned King Of Comedians For Charity

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Stephen Fry reigns the triumphant winner of Walkers Clash of the Comics – a celebrity charity initiative for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day – leaving Frank Skinner, Jimmy Carr and Al Murray to face Denise van Outen and a lot of hot wax!

Stephen Fry has been crowned king of the comedians, as he conquered his fellow funny-men in the battle of a lifetime for Red Nose Day. After weeks of fierce campaigning and underhand smear tactics, Stephen’s limited edition flavor of Walkers crisps, Stephen Fry Up, has out-sold the flavors of the three other comedians. Not only will the three losing comics be hanging their heads in shame as Stephen Fry basks in the glory of his win, but they have also undergone a further stripping of their dignity – and hair! Jimmy Carr, Al Murray and Frank Skinner faced their fears as they underwent the torturous forfeit of being waxed by Denise Van Outen.

The forfeit kicked-off with the unfortunate trio donning hilarious fluffy white dressing gowns for their ‘beauty treatments’! Needless to say, tears were shed, tantrums were had and there was plenty of red-raw flesh to be seen in the beauty salon (particularly on Frank), but the three comedians managed to endure the waxing session with as much good grace as they could muster. Denise proved herself the ultimate amateur waxer, ripping the foliage from Jimmy’s legs like she was born to do it!

Stars Design Candle Holders For Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Some of Britain’s favorite celebrities auction have personally designed candle holders to raise awareness of the race for a cure for Parkinson’s.

Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais, Alesha Dixon, Kevin McCloud and a host of other celebrities have pledged their support for finding a cure for Parkinson’s by designing their own candle holders which are being auctioned off in support of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust’s ILLUMINATE campaign.

The 34 specially designed candle holders will be auctioned on eBay for 10 days starting 7pm on 22nd FEBRUARY 2011. You are invited to bid for your favourite celebrity’s candle holder on eBay all in the name of an exceptionally worthy cause. The entire collection of designs is also available in a lovely book.

Stars Tweet Support For New Zealand Earthquake Victims

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Stars have already reacted to news of New Zealand’s devastating earthquake, which struck the South Island city of Christchurch yesterday.

Emergency workers are currently struggling to free hundreds of people trapped after the quake struck at around 1pm local time. 38 bodies have been identified, with the death toll expected to rise with the sun this morning.

Stars have taken to Twitter to send their wishes to those affected by the disaster, while some are encouraging fans to give to charity.

Stephen Fry Clashes With Comics For Charity

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A new tongue-in-cheek Walkers advert burst on to UK screens on 4th February, previewing a forthcoming “clash of the comics” for this year’s Comic Relief.

The ad catches behind-the-scenes footage of Gary Lineker and four of Britain’s best-loved comedians as they prepare to launch their limited edition crisp flavours – Stephen Fry & Stephen Fry Up, Frank Skinner & Frank Roast Dinner, Jimmy Carr & Jimmy con Carrne and Al Murray & Steak and Al Pie.

The mischievous comedians show it will be every man for himself, as they bid to make their flavour the bestseller and raise over £1million for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. The question is, who will sink and who will swim in the ‘Clash of the Comics’?

Get A Personal Message From Adam Croasdell For Valentine's Day

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Supernatural and EastEnders star Adam Croasdell is offering one lucky person a very special Valentine’s Day treat, a personal video message from Hollywood.

He’s involved with SeeTheDifference.org, a brand new not-for-profit way to make a difference in the world via the causes you care about.

To enter, all you have to do is post a message about the place you had your first date, and the winner will be chosen at random and their special message delivered on Valentine’s Day.

Brian Cox to Host Douglas Adams Memorial Lecture

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Rock star physicist Professor Brian Cox is scheduled to speak at the 9th annual Douglas Adams Memorial Lecture benefitting Save the Rhino and the Environmental Investigation Agency.

Although Adams died unexpectedly in 2001 at the age of 49, the Memorial Lectures – held every year since 2003 – continue to explore the themes in which he was so interested, and help support both Save the Rhino International and the Environmental Investigation Agency, two charities championed by the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” author.

Douglas was moved to take action for wildlife conservation during a 1985 visit to Madagascar. His dedication to the cause resulted in the book “Last Chance to See” highlighting the plight of species facing extinction.

Missing Teen Found Following Celebrity Tweets

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to report that missing teen Serena Beakhurst was found safe and well yesterday.

Family of the 14-year-old are thanking stars such as Stephen Fry and Matt Lucas for their help in raising awareness and helping bring Serena home.

“We are so grateful to all who took the time to post information about her on their Facebook and Twitter profiles,” her cousin James Andrew told the Voice newspaper. "This campaign has highlighted the strength of the community and how powerful we can be when we unite our efforts. Without the dedicated members of the Facebook group, Please help us find Serena Beakhurst, this would have just been another unreported case of a missing child.