Martin Clunes becomes a patron of learning disabilities charity
Howard Lake | 8 March 2006 | News
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.
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“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.”
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.
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.