British actor and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Richard Briers passed away yesterday (Sunday 17 February). He leaves behind his wife Annie and two daughters.
Richard, who rose to fame after his role in British sitcom The Good Life, was awarded an OBE and CBE for his contribution to the arts; with a career encompassing theatre, TV, film and radio.
Richard became an ambassador for the charity in 2007, after his poignant role in the TV drama 'Dad' where he played the husband of a person with dementia. He lent his name and high profile support to a number of Society activities. He fought for access to life-enhancing dementia drugs through the 'Hands off Dementia Drugs' campaign, helped with a mobile phone recycling fundraising project, and also encouraged people to step out and join in with the Society’s annual flagship fundraiser, Memory Walk. Richard's last event as an ambassador was in March 2011 when he read at a special fundraising service at Windsor Castle.
Alzheimer’s Society comment:
'Richard Briers was a keen and committed campaigner for Alzheimer's Society. In his role as an ambassador Richard has used his high profile and wit to support other families facing their own battles with the condition.
From lobbying MPs on the injustice of charging for life-enhancing dementia treatments to delivering some of the most entertaining after lunch speeches, Richard always sought to raise the profile of dementia whenever he could. From all his friends and fans at Alzheimer's Society, our deepest condolences go to his wife Annie and his two daughters, Lucy and Katie.'
Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer’s Society