Adjoa Andoh, star of the hit Netflix drama Bridgerton, will appear in a Radio 4 charity appeal to raise funds for Freedom from Torture, a charity that provides therapeutic care to survivors of torture across the UK.
Adjoa has been working with Freedom from Torture since last year after sharing a stage at a fundraising event with a torture survivor who had received care from the organisation. In the appeal, she describes the story of Nasrin Parvaz, who was jailed by the Iranian regime for campaigning for women’s rights.
Nasrin was tortured so badly while in prison that she was temporarily paralysed and developed a brain tumour. After escaping to the UK severely traumatised, she received therapy from Freedom from Torture and has since been able to continue her activism, while forging a successful career as an author, artist, and public speaker.
Speaking ahead of the appeal, Adjoa Andoh said: “Since I began working with Freedom from Torture, I have been deeply moved to hear stories from women like Nasrin, ordinary people who have experienced unspeakable abuse for standing up for their beliefs. As one of the few dedicated torture treatment services in the UK, Freedom from Torture is a vital lifeline for people in the UK struggling to cope after similar ordeals.
“From their groundbreaking therapy services to legal and welfare support and community groups, Freedom from Torture provides survivors with the tools to overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives. I am honoured to support this campaign and encourage you if you are able, to help them continue their amazing life transforming work.”
Founded in 1985 by the late pioneering psychotherapist Helen Bamber OBE, Freedom from Torture treats hundreds of torture survivors every year across five regional centres around the UK.
Listeners can tune in to Adjoa’s appeal for Freedom from Torture on BBC Radio 4 on 5 March at 07:45 and 21:25 and on 9 March at 15:27. A donation of £61 can provide a one-hour therapy session with a therapist and interpreter that can help a survivor take their first step towards recovery.
