Nick returns home for star charity gala

Nick Ede has told how the death of his mother 20 years ago has led him to a life of fund raising - including with some of the world's biggest stars.
Nick Ede has rubbed shoulders with some of the world's biggest starsNick Ede has rubbed shoulders with some of the world's biggest stars
Nick Ede has rubbed shoulders with some of the world's biggest stars

The 43-year-old founded East of Eden, a charity campaigns agency with clients including BBC Children In Need, Jeans For Genes, The Blue Cross and MTV Staying Alive, to name a few.

Nick, of Stockbridge, is now one of the UK’s most prolific experts in charity campaigns and brands.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He is well known for his volunteer work for the Stroke Association and his initiative in creating an annual fundraising event A Night With Nick and the worldwide fashion charity brand Style For Stroke, inspired by the loss of his mother.

Nick said: “My mother passed away suddenly from a stroke. It was a turning point in my life and ever since I have been dedicated to helping raise money and awareness for the Stroke Association wherever I can.

“I wanted to help educate young people about stroke and its effects so I soon started to organise celebrity parties for them that snowballed into big events.

“Over the years we’ve seen the likes of Robbie Williams, Kelly Osbourne, Kelly Rowland, Luke Evans, Mel B and Pixie Lott attending. My work life now is solely focused on philanthropy. After working on TV for ten years on ITV’s Lorraine programme as lifestyle expert I decided to set up an agency specifically coming up with charity campaigns.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I met the actress Eva Longoria by chance, as she needed a dress for an event – she thanked me by inviting me to the Noble Gift Gala, as it was called then. Upon meeting her and her best friend, Maria Bravo who founded the charity, I knew instantly I wanted to work with them.

“We’ve now worked together for over five years and in that time have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities all over the world.”

Nick will co-host a Global Gift Gala - a non-profit organisation whose main objective is to create a positive impact in women, children and family’s lifestyle who live in a situation of need - in Edinburgh tomorrow night, which will also be attended by Desperate Housewives actress Longoria and Scottish actor James McAvoy.

Nick, a former Edinburgh Academy pupil, said: “I was born and raised in Edinburgh, so when Maria said to me ‘where next’ it was a natural choice – it’s my home and I know that the city and its people will embrace what we are doing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Eva has never been to Scotland, so is thrilled to be coming here for the next gala. My first port of call when looking for a venue was The Waldorf, The Caledonian. It’s such an amazing place - I remember going for cream teas and Sunday roasts there when I was younger.

“It’s going to be even more special for me as my father is 91 this year and has lived in Edinburgh all his life – he is now in a nursing home in Corstorphine, but I am determined that he comes to the gala to see what I do and have a fabulous time.”

Related topics: