Kit
Harington’s Latest Role: Raising Awareness About Learning Disabilities
The Game of
Thrones actor is the new ambassador for Mencap.While the interviewers appeared
unimpressed with his credentials, Harington said this when asked why he wanted
to be the Mencap ambassador:
Kit
Harington, aka Jon Snow, aka the 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, has spoken in the past about the importance of raising
awareness of learning disabilities.
Harington’s
cousin Laurent is one of 1.4 million people in Britain who have a learning
disability, and when Laurent was younger he was supported by the charity
Mencap.
The Games
of Thrones actor has just been appointed as Mencap’s ambassador, and to mark
the occasion the charity has released a video that shows Harington’s
self-deprecating sense of humour at work.
I want to
be your ambassador because I want to help support people with a learning
disability, I believe everyone deserves equal healthcare, equal education,
equal access to work, you know, the same chances everyone has to go out and
have fun.
Mencap says
1,200 people with a learning disability die avoidably every year, and 56% of
people with a learning disability say they have experienced hostility,
aggression, or violence from strangers due to their condition or impairment.
“We need to
change this and stop ignoring the talents and contributions that people with a
learning disability can bring to our society,” Harington added.
“That’s why
I was really keen to work with Mencap – and Ciara and Lloyd, who both have a
learning disability – to make this video which we hope will bring smiles to a
few people’s faces.”
Page, who
has worked with Mencap for 22 years, said he “absolutely loved” filming with
Harington: “It was a long day of filming and I messed up my lines a few times
but he told me not to worry – everyone on the Game of Thrones set does the
same.”
Jon Snow…
you know quite a lot about promoting learning disability awareness.
Source: BuzzFeedNews
