Two of the charities supported by Richard Briers have paid tribute to the late actor’s work with them.

The TV and film star, who passed away on Sunday 17 February, became president of Parkinson’s UK in 1995 and then its honorary vice president in 2006. He attended many of the charity’s events and was a regular speaker at its Christmas Carol concerts.

He became an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society in 2007, and raised awareness for dementia by playing the husband of a person suffering from the affliction in the TV drama Dad. His support of the charity’s campaigns included ‘Hands off Dementia Drugs’ and a mobile phone recycling project.

Steve Ford, Parkinson’s UK chief executive described The Good Life star as “an incredible man whose personality and humour touched all of those he met.”

"He has been a dedicated supporter of Parkinson's UK for many years,” Ford said. "His work as our honorary vice president was immeasurable. And his steadfast support has undoubtedly helped to build a lasting legacy for the 127,000 people living with Parkinson's in the UK."

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society CEO, paid tribute to the breadth of Briers' activity for the charity.

“From lobbying MPs on the injustice of charging for life-enhancing dementia treatments to delivering some of the most entertaining after-lunch speeches, Richard always sought to raise the profile of dementia whenever he could,” Hughes said.  

“From all his friends and fans at Alzheimer's Society, our deepest condolences go to his wife Annie and his two daughters, Lucy and Katie.”

 

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