Categories Charity Helen Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Print Media Tributes

Thousands Raised in Memory of ‘Inspiring’ Brother and His Aunt, Helen McCrory

Riding all the Way from London to Madrid  for Hugo and Helen

by Lily Ford | Evening Standard | July 21, 2022

An Army officer has raised thousands of pounds for charity by cycling 2,100 kilometres from London to Madrid in memory of his “inspiring” brother and his aunt, actress Helen McCrory. Tom Yaxley, 32, is the brother of Hugo Yaxley and nephew of Damian, as well as McCrory, who died from cancer in April 2021 aged 52.

Mr. Yaxley has embarked on the cycle across Europe for Ride4Hugo, a series of fundraising events organised by friends and family which have earned more than £115,000 for four charities. Through tough gruelling climbs, injury, pain, heat, traffic and SHEEP! Nothing stopped him.

Add to their Collection Pot here
View photos of the bike challenge in our Gallery here

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Categories Charity Gallery Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Summertime

Damian Lewis Attended Launch of National Gallery’s Fundraising Campaign for Bicentenary Celebrations 2024

The Alchemist’s Feast

by Alastair Sooke | The Telegraph | June 23, 2022

Damian attended ‘The Alchemist’s Feast,’ an inaugural summer party and fundraiser for the National Gallery’s Bicentenary campaign, NG200. Tonight’s event – which was held Thursday, June 23, 2022 in London, England – launched a fundraising campaign for the gallery’s bicentenary celebrations scheduled for 2024. “We do lots of things at the National Gallery which are very serious and scholarly,” says its director, Gabriele Finaldi. “So, it’s perfectly OK to generate some excitement and glitziness as well.”  Sitting in a sparse office overlooking Trafalgar Square, Finaldi – a deep-voiced, patriarchal figure, who, at 57, has already run the gallery for seven years – is referring to a red-carpet event taking place there tonight: London’s answer, if you like, to the extravagant Met Gala held every spring at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

National Gallery will exhibit a Van Gogh blockbuster as part of its 2024 bicentenary celebrations, provisionally being subtitled Poets and Lovers, and is scheduled to run from September 2024 to January 2025. Star loans include The Bedroom, Garden of the Asylum and—of course—the exhibition will show the museum’s own Sunflowers.

And Finaldi hopes that the party’s theme, “The Alchemist’s Feast”, will encourage guests to turn the base metal of goodwill into the gold of donations – because the gallery’s ambitious plans, which include a series of “significant” capital projects, will cost £95 million. Other guests in attendance included Sienna Miller, Olivia Buckingham, Jasper Conran, Ben Radcliffe, Sandy Powell, Emma Ridgway, David Grievson, Lara Stone, Geordie Greig, Kathryn Greig, Grayson Perry, Emily Beecham, Lily Lewis, Rish Shah, Iman Vellani, Hamish Bowles, Ikram Abdi Omar, Olga Kurylenko, Benedict Wong, Martha Ward, Joely Richardson, Tom Hughes, Alfonso Cuaron, Kim Hersov, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice of York, Nick Broomfield, Samantha Bond, Alexander Hanson, Marc Quinn, Joe Bromley, Sofia Blunt, Gabriela Peacock, Oli Green, Joseph and Sabine Getty and Ellie Bamber.

Continue reading Damian Lewis Attended Launch of National Gallery’s Fundraising Campaign for Bicentenary Celebrations 2024

Categories Awards Charity Gallery Helen Personal and Family Life Philanthropy

Damian Lewis Presented The McCrory Award in Private Exhibit

Inaugural Launch of Mentor Charity: The McCrory Award

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 15, 2022

Today, June 15, 2022, invitation-only attendees gathered for a private viewing of an art exhibit showcasing exclusive photography pieces of Helen McCrory to support the Sir Hubert von Herkomer Foundation and to honor The McCrory Award. The foundation – which Helen was the former Patron of and is now patroned by Damian – gives access to free art and media workshops for disadvantaged children “…so they can express their inner artist” and flourish. Other featured photographs that were donated by friends include Fay Ripley, Mark Strong, Eddie Redmayne, Helen Bonham Carter, Sienna Miller, Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Billie Piper, James Purefoy, Harriet Walter, Harry Treadaway, Stephen Mangan and Andrew Scott, all who posed for Debbi Clark, photographer and CEO/Founder of HvH Arts Foundation.

The McCrory Award was announced that evening, with Damian presenting the award to three young HvH Arts Foundation artistic beneficiaries. The foundation is dedicated to supporting children and young people who are gifted in their art, yet many do not have access to resources, training or support to fulfill their dream. The McCrory Award and charitable mentorship will make their dreams become a reality. Helen always believed every child should have equal opportunities and accessibility to the arts.

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Categories Charity Events Football/Soccer Gallery Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Summertime

Soccer Aid 2022: England vs World XI

United By Play

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 12, 2022

If you thought the World Cup was going to be the biggest sporting event of the year, think again because the world’s biggest celebrity football match Soccer Aid is back! The annual star-studded charity football match returned today, Sunday, June 12, 2022, playing at West Ham’s London Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, but not before training sessions at Champneys Tring in Wigginton, North Yorkshire days prior.

There were footballing greats and celebrities involved in this year’s game, and off-pitch the show was presented by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, joined by Maya Jama and Lionesses legend Alex Scott returned as pitch-side reporter. Kick-off began at 7:30 p.m. BST and coverage of the event aired on ITV television, with streaming available via ITV website and ITV Hub.

There was even a half-time musical performance from Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams, who performed his famous hit ‘Angels’ and an appearance from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham.

During arrivals at London Stadium Damian had a short interview and predicted the match result as 4-1 in England’s favor. While on the pitch he further elaborated and claimed England would indeed win it. He was asked if it was a coincidence that England lost without him in the last three years and he said it was one of the biggest coincidences. 😉  View video of that portion here. At the half-time mark the match was tied 1-1 as Damian donned jersey number 66 and played in the second half. He missed a sitter, as he looked certain to score, but dragged the shot wide. Damian looked stunned and gutted! And we were gutted for him. At 84 minutes in, Damian spotted Tom Grennan’s dart into the area but he was offside. Going into tonight’s match the two teams were tied with five wins each after 10 matches, yet this match ended in a 2-2 draw at full-time, going into penalties. World XI scored four penalties and England scored one. The winning Team was World XI, with a final score of 6-3. Sorry Damian! See Damian’s score prediction here.

To view more photos of the event, please visit our Gallery here. We will keep adding photos as they are shared and published. Keep checking back!

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Categories Charity Events Football/Soccer Philanthropy Video

VIDEO: Soccer Aid 2022 Training Week

Shootin’ Boots

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 9, 2022

Soccer Aid training is underway and Eleanor “ElzTheWitch” was live on location to welcome the arrival of footballers and celebrity stars, both old and new! To view more photos of the event, please visit our Gallery here. We will continue adding photos as they are shared and published. Keep checking back! Here is a video of Damian’s arrival:

Continue reading VIDEO: Soccer Aid 2022 Training Week

Categories Broadcast Media Charity Football/Soccer Helen Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Video

Damian Lewis Pays Tribute To Late Wife Helen McCrory on Good Morning Britain

Helen’s Sweet Soccer Aid Gesture

by Rebecca Davison | Mail Online | June 9, 2022

'She's still with us': Damian Lewis paid tribute to his late wife Helen McCrory on Good Morning Britain on ThursdayActor Damian Lewis paid a moving tribute to his late wife Helen McCrory on Good Morning Britain on Thursday saying, “She’s with us.”

The star, who’s taking part in Sunday’s Soccer Aid, revealed how Helen was always his biggest supporter – and GMB hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shepherd shared their memories of the Peaky Blinders actor who passed away from cancer in April 2021 aged 52. Ben began by saying:

“The first time I met you and your lovely wife Helen away from work was at Soccer Aid many years ago in Manchester and you were there with the family and the kids. She was always such a vociferous supporter of you and everything you did. Kate and I were very honoured to be at her memorial service just a few weeks ago. I’d imagine you’ve been very moved by the outpouring of love and support that has been shown towards her since she sadly passed away.”

Damian replied, “Well, She was a fabulous human being and people from all walks of life have been in touch to say what an impact she had on their lives.”

Continue reading Damian Lewis Pays Tribute To Late Wife Helen McCrory on Good Morning Britain

Categories Charity Events Football/Soccer Merchandise Personal and Family Life Philanthropy

Win Damian Lewis’ Soccer Aid Kit

All For A Good Cause

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 8, 2022

Enter the prize-draw to win Damian Lewis’ match-worn shirt from Soccer Aid 2022, which will be signed by him! There are different tiers to enter, starting from £5 and escalating to £10, £25, £50 and £250. Each £5 you spend earns you a raffle in the drawing for a chance to win some exclusive prizes from the match. And you can enter as many times as you’d like! Winner is chosen by random draw. All proceeds go to Soccer Aid for UNICEF.

Click here to enter the Crowdfunder UK Prize Draw.  Submissions end June 17, 2022 at 6:00pm BST.

By being part of Soccer Aid for UNICEF you are joining one big team! Entering the prize-draw is a great way to show your support for UNICEF UK and win some exclusive prizes from the match at the London Stadium.

Continue reading Win Damian Lewis’ Soccer Aid Kit

Categories Charity Cricket Gallery Personal and Family Life Philanthropy Print Media Sports

#RockForRuth Cricket Match

Charity Cricket Match for Ruth Strauss Foundation

by George Dobell | The Cricketer | June 6, 2022

UPDATE June 8, 2022: Team Strauss won, which Damian was a teammate!

As reported by Cricket World, the event started with an All-Star cricket match, which saw Sir Andrew Strauss’ team including Damian Lewis, Joe Root, Kate Cross and Jason Robinson take on Team Sheeran, captained by Michael McIntyre with players including Sir Alastair Cook, Harry Judd, Alex Hartley and Ben Stokes – with Team Strauss sealing victory.

The match was followed by a fine dining experience from Ruth Strauss Foundation ambassador and celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge, during which Michael McIntyre took to the stage for a short comedy set before a live auction, with prizes including a private box to see Coldplay in concert and an original Sacha Jafri painting. Guests were then treated to an intimate ‘rock’ performance by music superstar Ed Sheeran, who invited Michael McIntyre up on stage for an impromptu duet.

See photos from the event in our Gallery here

Continue reading #RockForRuth Cricket Match

Categories Charity Gallery Helen Personal and Family Life Philanthropy

Damian Lewis Completes 50km Bike Ride For Ride4Hugo

Riding To Raise Money in Memory of Hugo and Helen

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 5, 2022

Today Damian, family and friends participated in a ride campaign to raise money and awareness for four charities that played a big part in Hugo (nephew) and Helen’s lives. In 2021 Ride4Hugo raised over £97,000 and they are back for 2022 with three big challenges to continue raising money for Sir HvH Arts Foundation (The McCrory Award), Place2Be, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Please donate here to add to their collection pot! View more photos of the event in our gallery here.

Continue reading Damian Lewis Completes 50km Bike Ride For Ride4Hugo

Categories Charity Helen Personal and Family Life Philanthropy

Ride4Hugo Bike Challenge

Using 2 Wheels to Keep the Memory of Hugo Yaxley & Aunty Helen Alive

by Gingersnap | damian-lewis.com | June 2, 2022

Hugo Yaxley is the nephew of Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory and the Ride4Hugo bicycle event was organized in memory of Hugo and Helen.  The Ride Campaign aims to raise money and awareness for four charities that played a big part in Hugo and Helen’s lives. In 2021 Ride4Hugo raised over £97,000 and they are back for 2022 with three big challenges to continue raising money for Sir HvH Arts Foundation, Place2Be, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Please donate here to add to their collection pot! Visit their Instagram story here.

Challenges:

On May 1, 2022, two of Hugo’s school friends, Harry Dayus and James Gilroy ran the Birmingham Half-Marathon.

Then on June 5, 2022 – the last day of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend – friends and family of Hugo and Helen will be doing a bike ride (48 or 101km) through the beauty Wiltshire countryside. According to HvH Arts Foundation Instagram account, Damian will be there in support of the event.

Finally, in July 2022, Hugo’s brother and Helen’s nephew, Tom, will be riding over 2,100km and climbing over 22,000m from The National Theatre in London to the Plaza Mayor in Madrid.

Continue reading Ride4Hugo Bike Challenge

Categories CBE Charity Helen Honors Philanthropy Print Media

Damian Lewis Made CBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours After Glittering Acting Career

Damian Shares CBE With Dear Helen McCrory

by Lily Waddell | Evening Standard | June 1, 2022

Damian Lewis has been made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) after an acting career that has spanned Second World War epics, terrorism thrillers and period dramas. The 51-year-old television, film and stage star has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to both drama and charity.

Among his best known roles are Army Major Richard Winters in the HBO miniseries Band Of Brothers, Nicholas Brody in the Showtime series Homeland and Henry VIII in Wolf Hall. Lewis told the PA news agency:

“What a great honour to be awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to drama and for the charity work that I have carried out over the years and during the pandemic with my late wife, Helen McCrory. Thank you very much. She and I are both thrilled.”

He and his late wife Helen McCrory are co-founders of FeedNHS, an initiative working with restaurant Leon on the campaign of the same name in a bid to provide NHS workers with meals during the coronavirus crisis. He shares the CBE honour with Helen:

Continue reading Damian Lewis Made CBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours After Glittering Acting Career

Categories CBE Charity Helen Honors Philanthropy Print Media

Damian Lewis Honoured by Queen Elizabeth

CBE: Services to Both Drama and Charity

by Michael Holden | Reuters | May 31, 2022

LONDON, May 31 (Reuters) – Actor Damian Lewis, author Ian Rankin and former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster were among more than 1,100 people recognised by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in her annual birthday honours. The list, which is issued to mark the 96-year-old monarch’s official birthday, honours recipients for their “outstanding” contributions; most awards recognise public service or community work.

This year’s honours come ahead of four days of national celebration, beginning on Thursday, to mark Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne. “This historic Platinum Jubilee is not only a celebration of the monarch but of the qualities she possesses,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. “The honours she confers this week reflect many of those qualities that have been invaluable from all different walks of life and to communities across the UK.”

Lewis, who won a Golden Globe for his role in TV drama “Homeland”, was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services both to drama and to charity for initiating a campaign with his late wife Helen McCrory to raise 1 million pounds to provide food for health service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continue reading Damian Lewis Honoured by Queen Elizabeth