When a select group of celebrities and high-profile animal-lovers came together at London’s Rosewood Hotel last week to raise money for the charity, they brought some furry friends with them. In the spirit of the fundraiser for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust (CHAT), stars including Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Rod Stewart, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Ruth Langsford and Dame Joan Collins came along with a teddy bear – from childhood, gifted or borrowed – to A very special afternoon picnic.
Former model Celia, who set up her charity in 1986 to provide a rescue and rehabilitation service for abandoned cats (and some dogs), as well as emergency surgery for those who can’t afford vet fees, rooms I was overwhelmed by the support. and by the staggering £250,000 that was raised. “I’m incredibly touched that people think enough to come join us and see what’s going on,” she said Greetings!, which was invited as media partner to exclusively cover the event hosted by Mark Aldridge, patron of the Prince’s Foundation. “I’m very excited about it because we’ve never had anything like this. We just struggle together.
© Justin GoffTaking place in the lavish, mirrored room, which was outfitted with handmade teddy bears by traditional soft-toy maker Mira, it was a chance for people to catch up – including two of Celia’s longtime friends, Dame Joanna and Sir Rod were involved. , The pair also turned into old flames after briefly dating in 1973. “She was my posh girlfriend,” Rod said. “We got on well, didn’t we, Joanna?” he asked the actress and publicist, who nodded in agreement. “it was lovely.”
© Justin GoffThe singer had a small teddy bear in the colors of his beloved Celtic football team which was once thrown on stage during a performance. When asked to name the bear, he joked, “Today we can call her Joanna.” Rod’s friendship with Celia dates back to the 1960s, when she was the girlfriend of his bandmate, the late guitarist Jeff Beck. “Me and Ronnie [Wood] Were very jealous,” he joked.
© Justin GoffJoanna, who is a patron of the charity, was a fellow model. “But Celia was above my pay grade,” she said. “There wasn’t a magazine that didn’t have her pretty face on it. She was a lot like Kate Moss, and a really great model. “But when she went to places like Rome or Greece to shoot, she would drive people crazy because she would feed all the cats and tuck stray dogs – who were a little irritable or angry – under her coat. She’s been animal crazy since time began.
Photos: Justin Goff
To read the full article, pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale now. Subscribe to Hello! Get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or buy the digital edition online through our Apple or Google apps.