The Yorkshire Vet and Ted Lasso stars give talk at Brooke’s event in Leeds
(From left): Julian Norton, Annette Badland, Brooke's CEO, Chris Wainwright.
The Yorkshire Vet star Julian Norton and Ted Lasso actor Annette Badland showed their support for Brooke, in Leeds this week.
Julian and Annette gave a talk hosted by Brooke on 19 September, 2024, at the Royal Armouries Museum, to thank the charity’s supporters and mark its 90th anniversary.
Interviewed by Annette, Julian discussed his long-standing relationship with Brooke and his love for animals, which inspired him to pursue a veterinary career.
“May Brooke’s transformative work with animals and communities continue.”
Julian said: “It was inspiring to meet Brooke’s supporters this week, for such an important cause."
The Royal Armouries Museum, which exhibits arms and armour from conflict around the world, has strong links to Brooke’s history.
Founded by Dorothy Brooke, the charity was originally set up to help former war horses abandoned in Egypt.
Brooke’s supporter day and other activity to mark its 90th anniversary was sponsored by the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, which has donated over £1 million to the charity to date.
Julian, based in Thirsk, Yorkshire, has supported Brooke for several years and is an advocate for equine welfare, opening the Thirsk Veterinary Centre in 2021.
Annette represented Brooke at the annual Animals in War Memorial remembrance in London 2023, to honour the brave working animals involved in war.
She said: “I was thrilled to represent Brooke at this fantastic event, I will shout about the charity whenever I get the opportunity!”
Julian and Annette also attended Brooke’s 90th anniversary reception at Buckingham Palace in May 2024, meeting Brooke’s President, Her Majesty The Queen.
"It gives me ‘unbridled aspiration’ to see the work Brooke is doing to support working animals and give them a life worth living."
Chris Wainwright, Chief Executive of Brooke, said: “This event shows how our supporters are making a positive difference to the lives of working animals worldwide.
“We want to thank them for their incredible support, and hope the event leaves them inspired, informed and motivated to continue standing alongside us.
“We also thank the Royal Armouries Museum for hosting our event, and the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, our sponsor of Brooke’s 90th anniversary.”
Brooke's work spans across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, working with owners, communities and policy makers to improve the lives of these animals.