# Martin Clunes becomes a patron of learning disabilities charity

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/03/08/martin-clunes-becomes-patron-learning-disabilities-charity/
- Published: 2006-03-08T00:00:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

![](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/files/images/news/4086.jpg)

Actor Martin Clunes has become a Patron for HFT, a national charity which provides
support for people with learning disabilities, after hearing about the charity’s
work when filming the first series of the ITV comedy drama “Doc Martin” in Port 
Isaac.
Previously known as The Home Farm Trust, HFT was established as a charitable
Trust in 1962 by parents of people with learning disabilities to help provide residential
care facilities for their children.

Clunes got involved with the charity after talking with a couple holidaying near
the film shoot. “They told me that this was their first holiday alone together in
over thirty years as their son had severe learning disabilities”, he explained. “
They explained about the work of HFT and as with so many of these things I hadn’t
even considered that there was such a need, let alone a charity that could meet 
it.

“When I was asked to read at a fundraising carol concert at Truro Cathedral last
Christmas in aid of HFT I was delighted to do so and when HFT asked me if I’d consider
becoming a Patron, I didn’t hesitate.”

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In this case it was not a fundraiser who secured a new patron but a client or beneficiary
of the charity.

The charity’s principal Patron is HRH, The Princess Royal. Martin Clunes joins other
current Patrons of HFT including Floella Benjamin OBE, Ronnie Corbett OBE, Dame 
Judi Dench, Sir David Frost, Maureen Lipman OBE, Griff Rhys Jones, The Lord Rix 
CBE DL, Dr Oliver Russell and Dr Philippa Russell CBE.

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