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Harrogate teen to appear on BBC programme alongside Colin Firth

A Harrogate teenager is set to appear alongside movie star Colin Firth CBE on a BBC programme this weekend.

Harrogate teen to appear on BBC programme alongside Colin Firth A Harrogate teenager is set to appear alongside movie star Colin Firth CBE on a BBC programme this weekend. 18-year-old Thomas Grattoni-May is starring on the BBC Lifeline Appeal for Action for Stammering Children on Sunday (15th October). The ex-Ashville College pupil suffered with a stammer throughout his school life and is now Youth Panel member for Action for Stammering Children (ASC). ASC is a national charity for children and young people who stammer, their families and the communities who support them. And the programme, which will air at 12:50pm, will see Colin Firth present an appeal on behalf of the charity. Thomas said:

“I am incredibly humbled and proud to stand alongside Colin Firth CBE as we lead Action for Stammering Children BBC Lifeline Appeal. “Action for Stammering Children is an organisation that holds a special place in my heart, and I've been fortunate to be part of it for over a decade. “My journey wouldn't be the same without the invaluable support and confidence they've instilled in me, helping me overcome my speech challenges.”
Thomas first met Colin Firth 11 years ago during an ASC event - and the actor brought along his Oscar earned for his role in ‘The King’s Speech.’ It was here he agreed to take on the role of Vice President at ASC. [caption id="attachment_82346" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Thomas Grattoni-May first met Colin Firth CBE 11 years ago.[/caption] Thomas added:
“[Colin’s] commitment to the cause is truly inspiring. “Together, with the unwavering dedication of ASC and the support of remarkable individuals like him, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who stammer, helping them find their voice and reach their full potential.”
In 2021, Thomas was named as a global winner of the inaugural Rise Challenge, a youth competition launched by Google billionaires to support exceptional young people in the service of others. He was also invited to Buckingham Palace earlier this year to celebrate receiving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and to meet the Royal himself. Action for Stammering Children appeal The appeal will air on BBC1 on Sunday at 12:50pm. The link to the programme and more information about the appeal can be found here. Find out more about Action for Stammering Children via its website here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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