John Casson’s tribute on BBC to the late Sir Michael Parkinson who was a good friend and who generously gave his time to support John Casson’s charity activities.
Thursday 8 February 2024
The late Sir Michael Parkinson
Our dear friend Sir Michael Parkinson, such a kind and generous man, a real gentleman, who we were privileged to know and be able to call our friend, passed away of old age on the 16th of August 2023.
He willingly gave his precious time to help the John Casson Foundation as a speaker at several of our fundraising dinners and stayed at our home many times – a fun and very easy house guest.
The photo below was taken at Gidleigh Park, Chagford, in November 2011, when we were all in our prime! The first fundraising event he helped us with, who knew such a special bond was to develop between us all…
Sir Michael also very kindly wrote a lovely sponsor letter which along with others was instrumental in John Casson being awarded his MBE in 2019, he could not believe John had not already received acknowledgement for all his fundraising and mentoring.
So many people owe Sir Michael so much for helping to get their careers going…Billy Connolly, Peter Kay & Michael Bublé to name a few.
After Sir Michael passed away, John gave an eight-minute tribute live on BBC Radio Cornwall. Listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0g7fhlc
Sir Michael, thank you for everything…our thoughts go out to Lady Mary and your family.
Images:
Image 1 – Sir Michael and Lady Parkinson at a Royal Marine’s charity fundraising lunch that John Casson organised at Gidleigh Park in Devon in 2011.
Image 2 – Sir Michael Parkinson interviewing actor, Tom Cruise.
Image 3 – Sir Michael Parkinson and John Casson at a Royal Marine’s charity fundraising lunch.
