Stars of Downton Abbey come together for Edinburgh charity's Christmas appeal

A galaxy of stars from the much-loved TV series Downton Abbey have given their support to a Christmas appeal launched by Edinburgh charity Hearts & Minds for their Elderflowers programme, which helps people living with dementia.
Actress Phyllis LoganActress Phyllis Logan
Actress Phyllis Logan

The Downton stars have pledged to make personalised Christmas video message for lucky supporters after being approached their co-star Phyllis Logan, best known as housekeeper Mrs Hughes in the show, who is an ambassador for the charity and has had personal experience of loved ones living with dementia.

Logan explains, “I was immediately taken with Hearts and Minds when they first approached me. I had recently lost my mother and it seemed fated that I should support this wonderful charity in remembrance of my dear mum. It is so life affirming. Clowndoctors and Elderflowers give of their time and love unstintingly and are rewarded with great love in return."

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Hearts & Minds, an arts-in-health charity, aims to improve the experience of people in hospital and in hospice, residential and respite care by using therapeutic clowning to encourage communication, interaction and laughter. Their Elderflowers programme uses a unique clown family concept to connect with elderly people living with dementia and dementia related conditions.

Downton Abbey - Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as Cora CrawleyDownton Abbey - Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley
Downton Abbey - Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley

The actress, who has been a huge supporter of the charity since coming on board in 2017 was delighted when her co-stars rallied around her to do their bit too for the charity that is close to her heart.

"It’s been a very hard year for all charities, but I think, especially for Hearts and Minds. A crucial service at most times, but more so at present. On top of this, of course, not being able to raise vital funds due to this pandemic. I was delighted with the wonderful idea they hatched to raise funds and spread the word,” she says.

“When I approached my Downton Abbey mates, they were ‘in’ without a moment’s hesitation. I’m so grateful to them. They are a fantastic group of people, and all very supportive of each other. Can’t wait to see them all again and have a Downton reunion knees-up.”

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The stars who have agreed to send a personal video messages include, from downstairs, Jim Carter and Lesley Nicol, who play butler Mr Carson and cook Mrs Patmore respectively. And from upstairs, Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham), Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Grantham), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith) and Imelda Staunton, who played Maud Bagshaw, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary, and the estranged cousin of Lord Grantham in the movie adaptation of the top rated TV series.

Hugh Bonneville adds, "The Downton Abbey cast are a supportive bunch and over the years we’ve tried to do our bit for various charities. Hearts and Minds is a cause that’s dear to Phyllis Logan… and when 'Mrs Hughes' gives you that look and politely suggests something might be done, it tends to happen."

To be in with a chance of receiving a special Merry Christmas video from one of the stars, all you have to do is make a minimum donation of £5 to the appeal. As the stars wait in the wings to greet those lucky enough to have their names chosen in a random draw on December 7, you can make your donation now here.

Each Downton star will be sent the name of their lucky recipient and will make them a very special personalised Christmas video message.

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Money raised from the appeal will help address the devastating effect Covid-19 has had on the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Hearts & Minds' Elderflowers are trained in the art of therapeutic clowning and have continued to provide joy, laughter, and meaningful connections to people who need it most throughout the pandemic.

Hearts & Minds CEO, Rebecca Simpson, says, "We are delighted to have the support of our ambassador, Phyllis Logan and her Downton Abbey co-stars to help us raise much needed funds for the charity to help ladies and gents living with dementia. We are providing vital human connections for these vulnerable people and their carers and bring moments of joy and laughter into their lives.

"We may be based in Edinburgh but we work across Scotland and have connections with our international partner organisations through the European Federation of Hospital Clowning Organisations (EFHCO). We are a small charity with big ambition and an even bigger heart."

The closing date for donations is December 7 at 12 noon. Although the minimum donation is £5 you can donate as many times as you wish. You must be over 18. Names will be chosen at random and there is no guarantee that you will receive a personalised video, but all money donated will support the Elderflower programme.

For more information about the work of Hearts & Minds, visit here

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