Dame Judi Dench, the celebrated English actress, was honoured at a charity event in London, where a live bust of her was crafted by royal sculptor Frances Segelman. The occasion not only celebrated Dame Judi’s remarkable 90-year journey but also sought to raise awareness and funds for the Lymphoedema Research Fund (LRF) affiliated with St George's Hospital Charity.
Frances Segelman, known for her prominent portfolio including sculptures of royalty, demonstrated her craft in front of an audience of 200 guests at Claridge's. Over the course of just two hours, she moulded a bust that captured the essence of Dench, a feat she described as a "magical" experience despite the frenetic pace. Frances expressed her amazement at completing such intricate work in such a brief time, stating, "I don't know anyone that can get a bust finished in two hours and look exactly like someone."
This event was particularly meaningful for Gemma Levine, a renowned photographer and long-time friend of Dench, who serves as an ambassador for St George's Hospital Charity. Diagnosed with lymphoedema fifteen years ago, Levine said, "Dame Judi has given so much to the world through her art; it felt only right to honour her in this way while supporting a cause that's so close to my heart." Levine has not only helped promote the LRF but is also involved in creating a documentary on lymphoedema that features Dench and is narrated by fellow actress Dame Joanna Lumley, scheduled for release in 2025.
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling in the body’s tissues, often affecting arms or legs. It can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life, a fact that resonated with Frances who pointed out the presence of young people suffering from the condition at a similar event she attended. "What really got to me was there were teenagers with this awful condition. I felt so sad. I really felt I had to do something to help," she said.
The charity event raised an impressive £40,000 for the LRF, facilitating vital advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoedema. This was not Dame Judi’s only foray into philanthropic efforts; she has also lent her support to initiatives aimed at combating age-related macular degeneration through her role as patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to various health causes.
Meanwhile, the event came amidst a backdrop of recent controversy when a joke made about Dame Judi at the Breakthrough Awards was edited out of the official broadcast. The quip by former chat show host James Corden, which referenced an improbable romantic engagement between Dench and Dr. Anthony Fauci, drew mixed reactions from the audience. Corden later moved on without further comment, reflecting perhaps a collective hesitance to delve into humour that may tread too close to personal sensitivities.
Events like the one celebrating Dame Judi Dench not only honour legendary careers in the arts but also serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for that celebrity influence to drive meaningful change in healthcare and other pressing societal issues. As Frances Segelman continues her work on the sculpture, it serves as both a tribute to a titan of stage and screen and a tangible effort towards supporting those who suffer from conditions like lymphoedema.
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Source: Noah Wire Services