Terry Pratchett Knighted, Robert Plant Becomes A Commander

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Several of Britain’s most charitable celebrities were honored by the Queen in her New Years Honors List yesterday.

Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music. Plant reformed the 70s rockers for a one-off gig in London in 2007 to benefit the Ahmet Ertegun Education Fund, which provides students with annual scholarships to universities in the U.S, U.K. and Turkey. The organization was established by the late Ahmed Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records.

“During the Zeppelin years, Ahmed Ertegun was a major foundation of solidarity and accord,” said Plant, now 60. “This performance stands alone as our tribute to the work and the life of our long-standing friend.”

Also honored by the Queen was Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who is involved in a number of charities, including Cancer Research UK and Honeypot. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

But the biggest honor went to Fantasy writer Terry Pratchett, who was knighted by Her Majesty. Sir Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2007, and has since donated over a million dollars to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust and has dedicated his life to funding a cure for the disease.

“There are times when phrases such as ‘totally astonished’ just don’t do the job,” he said of his knighthood. “I am of course delighted and honored and, needless to say, flabbergasted.”

The honor has been supported by groups that have benefited from Pratchett’s involvement.

“I would like to congratulate Terry on this fantastic and well-deserved achievement,” said Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society. “Terry is not only a successful author and well-loved public figure; he is also playing a key role in fighting the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding dementia.”

Lewis Hamilton Helps the HoneyPot Charity

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:42:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Formula One’s newly crowned world champion, Lewis Hamilton, lent his support to the Honeypot charity via the shirt off his back. Telecommunications giant Sony Ericsson also kicked off their support with a ‘money-cant-buy’ auction on eBay.

Among the treasures that were up for bids in the charity auction was a shirt signed by Lewis Hamilton which sold for $979.00; VIP tickets to see the Pussycat Dolls, a hoody signed by The Zutons and VIP tickets to the screening of new James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

The auction ended November 2 but look for much more support from Sony Ericsson, who recently signed a two-year deal to support the children’s charity.

Honeypot’s regional fundraising manager Karen Betancourt-Jess said: “This is an important adoption for us as we are able to plan more holidays knowing that this money will be raised.”

Look To The Stars News: Honeypot

Terry Pratchett Knighted, Robert Plant Becomes A Commander

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Lewis Hamilton Helps the HoneyPot Charity

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