Our Patrons
We are lucky to have dedicated patrons who support our work and help us spread the word about what we do. Whether it's voicing a radio appeal or attending an event, our Patrons generously give their time to Tree Aid.
As a British-Ghanaian daughter, I am impressed by Tree Aid's practical, empowering approach to working with local communities in Africa's drylands. Tree Aid's work shows how we can all make a difference in tackling poverty and the climate crisis, wherever we live in the world
Adjoa Andoh
One of Britain’s leading actors, Adjoa Andoh won global acclaim as Lady Danbury in the Netflix smash Bridgerton.
Her many television appearances include Fractured, Dr Who, Witcher, Silent Witness and Casualty. A renowned stage actor at the National Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company, Adjoa co-directed and played Richard II at Shakespeare’s Globe, in the UK's first all-women-of-colour production in 2019.
Adjoa made her Hollywood debut in 2009, starring alongside Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood’s biographical sports film Invictus. She’s been a BBC radio actor for over 30 years and is an award-winning narrator of over 150 audiobooks.
Adjoa is passionate about the role environmental restoration plays in tackling poverty and inequality around the world.
Zoe Wanamaker
Zoë Wanamaker CBE is an American-born British actor who has worked extensively across film, TV, and theatre. Our patron of over 20 years, Zoë has supported Tree Aid in many different ways, including voicing our BBC Radio 4 appeal in 2019. Zoë says: "What I admire most about this charity is the practical nature of the world, that it empowers people to lift themselves out of poverty. It's not a handout, it's about giving people the tools and skills to make a life for themselves, and for the future generations."
Dame Joanna Lumley DBE
Dame Joanna Lumley is a much loved British actor, author, and TV presenter.
She has been Tree Aid's patron for more than 25 years and has supported the charity in many different ways during our long-term partnership.
Joanna says: "Trees are being wiped from the landscape in the African drylands and the desert is spreading, making it harder for people to feed their families and earn an income. I have been supporting Tree Aid for more than 25 years because it provides such an effective, practical solution to the urgent issues of poverty in Africa and the environmental decline that so often causes it."
Hilary Benn MP
Hilary Benn is a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Labour Party and served in the Cabinet from 2003-2010 and was Shadow Foreign Secretary from 2015-2016. He is passionate about international development and has been a Tree Aid patron for a decade.
