Leading charities pay tribute to TV star Richard Briers

Charities have been offering their condolences to family and friends of actor Richard Briers, famed for his role in British sitcom ‘The Good Life’, who passed away on 17 February 2013, at the age of 79.

As well as being awarded both an OBE and CBE for his contribution to the arts, Mr Briers was the honorary vice president of Parkinson’s UK.

His role in TV drama ‘Dad’, where he played the husband of a person with dementia led to him also becoming an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society in 2007, which has commented on his support for the charity saying: “Richard Briers was a keen and committed campaigner for the 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.”

Steve Ford, chief executive at Parkinson’s UK said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Richard Briers has died following a long battle with a lung condition.

“Put simply, Richard Briers was an incredible man. He had an immense heart and his personality and humour touched all of those he met. He has been a dedicated supporter of Parkinson’s UK for many years, after his second cousin and friend, Terry Thomas, was diagnosed with the condition.

“His work as our honorary vice president was immeasurable, and his steadfast support has undoubtedly helped to build a lasting legacy for the 127,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”