Popular actor and television presenter, Christopher Biggins, has paid a visit to Bristol to find out more about the work of Hft, a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
The star of BBC comedy ‘Porridge’ took time out of his busy schedule on Monday (October 20th) to go to a supported living service run by the charity and be given a tour of Hft’s office in the city.
The visit started at the charity’s central office in Emerson’s Green, where Mr Biggins was greeted by staff and had to opportunity to learn more about their roles within the organisation. He also met with Hft’s Chief Executive, Robert Longley-Cook, who provided a history of Hft’s work nationally and how the organisation has developed.
Mr Biggins then visited one of Hft’s flagship services in the city which supports people with learning disabilities to live independently, in a safe environment.
The actor was given a tour of the property, which included being shown around a flat by one of the residents, and spent time drinking tea and eating cakes made by the people supported by Hft and staff.
During his visit he also judged a colouring in competition which was open to the public as part of Hft’s fundraising event, ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day.’
Mr Biggins said: “It has been a wonderful day visiting Hft’s services, and meeting all of the team at their head office. I have been hugely impressed with the support and services that they are providing for people with learning disabilities.”
Hft currently supports 24 people with learning disabilities within Bristol and Bath and over 2,500 nationally, and Mr Longley-Cook said the charity was thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase its work.
Mr Longley-Cook said: “I am delighted to have a high profile celebrity like Christopher Biggins take such an interest in the work that we do here at Hft. It’s been a pleasure to welcome him to visit our organisation and we thank him for supporting us.”
About Hft
Hft is a national charity providing local support for people with learning disabilities and their families. For more information on Hft please visit http://www.hft.org.uk/
