Jim Broadbent Named Ambassador for Dementia UK

Jim Broadbent may play the selfish Professor Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but the actor has a wonderful penchant for charity in real life. Broadbent has teamed up with Dementia UK to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease. He’ll be working to increase the number of dementia specialist Admiral Nurses in the United Kingdom in order to aid the 850,000 people with dementia in the nation.

This cause is especially important to Broadbent, who lost his mother to dementia. He’s excited to join the organization in searching for viable ways to benefit those suffering from the disease:

Over the years I have been connected with [Dementia UK], I have been more than impressed by the professionalism, commitment and positivity that they bring to those who struggle with the shock and ever[-]changing demands of having to care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia. It is a fine organisation fulfilling a vital role, and I look forward to my continuing involvement.

The issue of dementia has even come up in Broadbent’s acting career, when he won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of John Bayley in the film Iris, which showed the relationship between John and novelist Iris Murdoch as Iris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive at Dementia UK, is happy to welcome Broadbent to the organization:

With his connection to the cause, his passion and of course, his stellar acting credentials, Jim is an absolutely wonderful ambassador for Dementia UK. His involvement in the BBC Lifeline Appeal did so much to help us raise awareness of Admiral Nursing across various care settings, including on our Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline. We know that he will play a huge role in helping Dementia UK in its next chapter.

Congratulations to Jim Broadbent and Dementia UK on taking this step forward together! For more information, be sure to visit Dementia UK on its website and social media.