Alastair Stewart, Rory Bremner and Annette Badland attend Brooke’s Christmas carol service

Broadcaster Alastair Stewart, comedian Rory Bremner and Ted Lasso actress Annette Badland were special guests at horse and donkey charity Brooke's Christmas service in London this week. 

Brooke hosted the service at the Royal Military Chapel (or the Guards’ Chapel) in Westminster on 12 December, to mark its 90th anniversary.  

Also in attendance were two donkeys, Pixie and Kiska, who greeted guests outside the chapel, followed by a performance from the Guards’ Chapel Choir and readings from the special guests.

Alastair Stewart, Brooke’s Patron, said: “We support Brooke because we care passionately about working animals.  

“The progress we (Brooke) have made globally on the evil donkey skin trade is a fantastic example of how we as human beings can really work together to benefit these animals. 

“From all of us here at Brooke, a very Happy Christmas to you, and to horses, donkeys and mules all over the world, a happy, safe and peaceful year to you all.” 

British equestrians and Brooke supporters, Jane Holderness-Roddam and Gemma Stevens, also attended the carol service. 

Brooke was formed in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke, who set out to help hundreds of emaciated ex-warhorses abandoned in Egypt after World War One. 

Today, Dorothy’s legacy has spread Brooke’s work to 13 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, protecting working animals who are the backbone of communities in the developing world. 

Rory Bremner said: “It was so wonderful to see so many people at the Guard’s Chapel, Dorothy Brooke started this 90 years ago, it’s extraordinary to think about. 

“Now, 90 years on, Brooke is helping horses, donkeys, mules in India, Pakistan, South America and beyond, where they can be overworked or used for their skins in the case of donkeys, Brooke is there to help them. 

“By being at the service, people can support their work for this year and beyond.” 

100 million working animals earn an income that around 600 million people rely on worldwide to put food on their tables and send their children to school.  

Brooke works with owners, communities, local health care providers and policy makers to help give these animals a life worth living. 

Annette Badland said: “Brooke’s carol event and the donkeys were wonderful, I hope everyone had a fantastic time. 

“I’m extremely proud to support Brooke for all the work they do, looking after millions of animals and teaching others to look after them...I think it’s extraordinary. 

“It’s a very honourable charity, which I love.” 

The Guards’ Chapel is the spiritual home of the Household Division – part of the British Army responsible for performing public duties and state ceremonies in London and Windsor. 

Brooke’s 90th anniversary events are sponsored by The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, who have donated more than £1 million to the charity to date. 

Chris Wainwright, CEO of Brooke, said: “This very special evening commemorated the 90th anniversary of Brooke’s commitment to ending the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules across the world.

“The performance from the Guards’ Chapel Choir was phenomenal, and we are so grateful to all that attended to give their support.

"We would like to sincerely thank the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust for their longstanding support and most generous sponsorship of Brooke’s 90th Anniversary events this year.”