TV star Gyles Brandreth to join Surrey charity’s fundraising lunch
British broadcaster, writer and podcaster, Gyles Brandreth, has been announced as the guest speaker for Surrey based charity, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People’s (QEF), Autumn Lunch event. The well-loved personality will talk about his remarkable career that spans decades including his time as an MP and Chancellor of the University of Chester, appearing on stage with Dame Judi Dench and his regular stint on shows like Just a Minute, QI, Celebrity Gogglebox and This Morning.
The event will be held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on Thursday 23rd October and will include a shopping fayre and a two-course lunch and wine. There will also be the opportunity to buy a signed copy of Gyles’s new book ‘Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear’ - an intimate biography of A A Milne and theextraordinary story of the author, Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh.
Gyles said: “I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at the lunch and sharing stories from my life and career, all for such a wonderful cause. The support the charity provides to disabled people of all ages is inspiring and we should all be grateful to its continued commitment to improving the lives of others.
“2026 marks the centenary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. I knew the real Christopher Robin so for Winnie-the-Pooh fans this event will be a real treat as I will also be talking about my new book and some of its insights into his life, as well as the late Queen, who had a special interest in Winnie-the-Pooh too.”
For 90 years the charity has been at the forefront of innovative and person-centred services that enable disabled people to achieve their potential and live with greater independence. It provides a unique combination of services for disabled children and adults with lifelong or acquired disabilities, supporting almost 10,000 disabled people a year across the UK. Its services are holistic and tailored to each person’s requirements, with practical support and advice at its Mobility Services and expert therapy and care at its Care and Rehabilitation Centre.
All funds raised from the event will support QEF’s work which could include providing music therapy to people living with an acquired brain injury and reconditioning its small, powered wheelchairs ‘Bugzi’ to support disabled children gain greater independence.
Tickets are available through the charity’s website: https://www.qef.org.uk/events/autumn/