Brooke celebrity supporters host talk to celebrate 90th anniversary
Julian Norton, veterinary surgeon and star of The Yorkshire Vet, has given a talk about his support for equine charity Brooke.
In an interview with actor Annette Badland, Dr Norton discussed his long-standing advocacy for Brooke’s work and how his love for animals inspired his veterinary career.
Dr Norton has supported Brooke for several years, and is a passionate advocate for equine welfare. He has starred in The Yorkshire Vet alongside fellow veterinary surgeon Peter Wright since 2015.
Ms Badland, who starred in the comedy Ted Lasso, represented Brooke at the 2023 Animals in War Memorial, which honours working animals involved in war. In May 2024, the duo attended Brooke’s 90th anniversary reception at Buckingham Palace, where they met Queen Camilla.
Dr Norton said: “It was inspiring to meet Brooke’s supporters this week, for such an important cause."
He added: “May Brooke’s transformative work with animals and communities continue.”
The talk formed part of Brooke’s 90th anniversary supporter day, which took place at the Royal Armouries Museum on 19 September. The event reflected on the charity’s mission for working animals and thanked supporters for their contributions.
The venue, which exhibits arms and armour from global conflict, was chosen to honour the charity’s rich legacy. Brooke was founded in 1934 to help former war horses which were abandoned in Egypt.
Since it was founded, Brooke has worked with working animal owners, communities and policy makers across the world, including Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The supporter day was sponsored by the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust. The trust has donated over £1 million to the charity to date, including supporting its equine veterinary surgeons to further their training.
Chris Wainwright, chief executive of Brooke, said: “This event shows how our supporters are making a positive difference to the lives of working animals worldwide.
“We want to thank them for their incredible support, and hope the event leaves them inspired, informed and motivated to continue standing alongside us.
“We also thank the Royal Armouries Museum for hosting our event, and the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, our sponsor of Brooke’s 90th anniversary.”
Image © Brooke