Our Patron

Our Patron, Lady Anwen Hurt

In 2006, Sir John Hurt became the first Patron of Project Harar. His much acclaimed portrayal of Joseph Merrick in the film 'The Elephant Man' meant he would understand deeply, the isolation and sense of hopelessness that our patients feel everyday.

John was hugely committed to our cause, visiting Ethiopia in 2014 with his wife Anwen. In 2017, John sadly passed away and we have all felt his loss. He was a unique talent and an incredibly committed and loyal supporter of Project Harar.

We were delighted when his widow, Anwen agreed to become our Patron at the end of 2017.

Anwen joined our recent complex surgical mission in Ethiopia showing great interest in all aspects of the mission and helping out wherever possible. The team really enjoyed having her there with her enthusiasm, intelligence and sensitivity. Project Harar looks forward to our relationship growing from strength to strength in the future.

Latest

Why do people with facial difference face stigma in rural Ethiopia?

Stigma against those living with facial difference exists across the world. Where we work — in rural and remote areas of Ethiopia, stigma is extremely prevalent amongst the people we meet who are living with facial difference and accessing our services. Read more here.
Wendemeh at 15 years old accesses cleft treatment

Wendemeh and his brother Gatkuoth travel to the Debre Markos specialised hospital in Amhara to receive treatment for the first time at 15 years old. He and Gatkuoth recount their experiences pre-surgery, and how important it is to destigmatise cleft lip and palate and continue to spread awareness and educate people and schools.
Kumaaol recieves speech therapy after surgery

In 2021, Kumaaol was received at Yekatit-12 Hospital through Project Harar's services for access to surgical treatment and speech therapy sessions. Read on about his time at the hospital in Addis Ababa, and later on partaking in speech therapy sessions with the support of health workers and his family...
How the UK Government Kickstart Scheme has created mutual growth opportunities: Q&A with Rafaella

The UK Government Kickstart Scheme provided funding in 2021 and 2022 to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds, who may have been at a disadvantage due to less employment opportunities for reasons such as the Covid-19 Pandemic.