Good Causes
Find out about the charities and other good causes Michael is involved in.
Bishop Simeon Trust - Lethitemba School
The Bishop Simeon Trust’s work with people affected by HIV-AIDS has been funded by Comic Relief and in 2002, whilst in South Africa to interview Nelson Mandela for Sport Relief, Michael Parkinson visited one the Trust’s partner projects on the East Rand outside Johannesburg. At the pre-school, Kwaze Kwasa, (meaning ‘the dawn has come’) Sir Michael was deeply affected by what he saw:
"Visiting the nursery school was probably one of the most emotional things I have ever done in my life… There were 50 children, between the ages of two and six, and 30-plus had HIV. Most of them had already lost their parents because of Aids. I got very involved with the project and it made me feel angry. I discovered that they were having to rent the school building and could face losing it.
So I decided I would buy the building for them… There were all these volunteers giving up their time and scrabbling round for a few bob so I thought I could help… It was emotional making the films from Africa and I couldn't just walk away at the end of the job without feeling I had done something to help. It's only a little project but hopefully I have been able to make some sort of difference"
For more information on the Bishop Simeon Trust click here.
Dignity In Care
Michael was named as Dignity Ambassador in July 2008 as part of the Government's drive to ensure that all older people using care and health services are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
"I am honoured to take on this role as Ambassador for the Government's Dignity In Care campaign.
I have always had immense respect for the contribution older people have made to our country. Like many others I have experienced the care system in the past as the son of elderly parents.
Dignity is about being treated as an individual with respect and compassion. I intend to use my role to make a real difference and ensure the issue of dignity moves to the heart of all NHS and care services."
To find out more about Dignity In Care and Michael's appointment click here.
Nottingham Trent University
Sir Michael Parkinson is due to be installed as the first ever Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) on 11 November 2008. As Chancellor he will be the titular head of the University. As well as conferring degrees and diplomas at awards ceremonies; his role will include promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and internationally. As the most senior public face of the university his appointment will also inspire staff, students and external customers and partners of the university. Sir Michael did not attend university but is a firm believer in the role it plays in the identification and development of young talent.
"I am honoured to be offered the Chancellorship at Nottingham Trent University. In television I have always worked with young, ambitious people and I am keen to be involved in this University which helps to realise the aspirations of the young. It will also give me an opportunity to see what I missed!"
NTU’s mission is to deliver education and research that shape lives and society. With an outstanding reputation for graduate employability, and a current investment of over £130m in inspiring work environments, NTU is setting the standard as the UK’s top new university.
Visit www.ntu.ac.uk to find out more about Nottingham Trent University and to read more about Sir Michael’s involvement click here.
Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust
Michael is patron of the Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust, which was set up in memory of an amazing little boy. Alexander was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in November 2001 at the tender age of just four years. He endured operations, treatments and chemotherapy in his four year fight against cancer, with exceptional courage and bravery, with great dignity and without complaint.
In honour of his outstanding courage and strength Alexander’s parents John and Fiona Devine founded ‘Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust’ (ADCCT) in March 2006 to support children and their families with life limiting illnesses. The long term aim of Alexander’s Trust, is to build fund and run ‘Alexander House’ a Children’s Hospice Service in Berkshire providing much needed respite and care, support for families, an outreach team, and specialized palliative care.
To find out more go to www.adcct.com.