MEET BORN FREE ADVOCATE RITCHI EDWARDS
Ritchi Edwards is an award winning English actor. He appeared in the West End production of The Long and Winding Road as The Beatles Manager Brian Epstein, and subsequently the stage production of Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters! His film credits include Homeless Ashes, Blame, AWOL- Absent Without Love, and Are We Dead Yet?
We are delighted that Ritchi has become an official Advocate for Born Free and wanted to find out why our work inspires him!
Hi Ritchi. Thank you for becoming an advocate for Born Free! What made you want to support us?
Thank you for having me as an official advocate! I’m truly honoured and this is something that has made my family very proud. My mother has supported Born Free since the beginning, and since I was old enough to understand, she has taught me about the Born Free story, and your work to ensure a better tomorrow for our planet’s beautiful wildlife. Animals have a special place in my heart, and I believe wildlife needs a voice – that’s something myself and Born Free have massively in common.
Is there a particular aspect of Born Free’s work or a specific campaign that is close to your heart?
It’s the variety of work that Born Free does to ensure more compassion towards wildlife that has really touched my heart. With each campaign you can truly see the team’s dedication to the animals and to conservation.
What is your favourite animal and why?
I know some people have a favourite, but I don’t think I could single one out because all wildlife to me is truly beautiful! Each animal has emotions and feelings, and to me that makes each and every single one beautiful! But for obvious reasons, with Born Free’s origins, I do have a soft spot for lions.
Can you tell us a little bit about what being a Born Free advocate will involve?
I’ll be regularly sharing Born Free posts on my social media platforms, spreading the message far and wide. I think one HUGE aspect of what I’m trying to achieve is education. Animals have emotions and there is so much more to them than what we see!
As an advocate, you will be inspiring other people to support our work. Who is your inspirational wildlife hero?
I have to say Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers and George Adamson, because when my mother first told me about Born Free, I was inspired by their compassion for wildlife! Also Will Travers who is continuing the work with as much compassion as they had at the beginning.
How do you combine your passion for wildlife with your job as an actor?
As an actor, I am used to portraying different characters. However, in real life, I am a constant voice for wildlife. Although this isn’t my work, it is something I’m VERY passionate about on a daily basis!
How can we share what you are doing for Born Free and help spread awareness?
It would be great if people could like and share my Born Free social media posts – on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! I also have a website, www.ritchiedwards.com/home for anyone wanting to find out more about my acting and wildlife projects.
If you would like to know more about ways to support Born Free, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Joanne Bartholomew for details.
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