Jacki Piper becomes ambassador for Crossroads Care

Caring for Carers was a fictional charity in the soap opera Crossroads that became a real support network in the 1970s.

Jacki who made her name by starring in the Carry on films including Carry on Up the Jungle has a remarkable connection to the charity.

Not only did Jacki appear in the original Crossroads television show as an extra when she was starting out on her successful acting career, she is currently in ITVX drama Nolly which depicts the life of Crossroads actress Noele Gordon, played by Helena Bonham Carter.

Jacki Piper:

‘It is a privilege to be an ambassador for such a wonderful charity. I cannot praise highly enough the work that Crossroads Care does to support Carers. I was bowled over by the team, who are so kind and cared so well for my husband Douglas,’

Pictured Mrs Sanky (Crossroads Care), Noele Gordon, Roger Tonge and (front) Noel Crane.

Crossroads Care originated from the TV soap when it featured a storyline in which motel owner Meg Richardson, played by Noele Gordon, looked after her disabled son, Sandy. This created such interest among real-life Carers that programme-makers ATV donated £10,000 towards a caring-for-carers pilot scheme, which was to become the start of Crossroads Care branches across the country.

Jacki’s husband, Douglas, who was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015, was cared for by the Crossroads charity, so Jacki knows all too well the challenges that face Carers and how the charity supports them.

Jacki Piper:

‘I’m so pleased to be able to highlight the important work that Crossroads Care does to support Carers. The charity is amazing.’

Jacki will be promoting the work of the Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston branch. https://www.crossroadscarerk.org/