Langdon On Air

Following the tough decision to cancel our usual-style annual fundraising dinner due to the pandemic earlier this year, we went ‘on air’ with a revamped digital event last night, on the evening of Monday 26th October 2020.

Reinventing the concept of what an annual charity dinner should be, over 150 people logged in to a unique password-protected microsite to preview an exclusive feature film providing insight into the ways that learning disability and Autism charity, Langdon has had to adapt as a result of Covid-19 over the last seven months.

The 45 minute film consisted of a series of short original vignettes, taking the audience on a rollercoaster journey from laughter to tears and back. A highly personal, emotionally charged plea by Langdon Chair, Nigel Henry and two mothers of Langdon members, highlighted just how invaluable the charity is to hundreds of people across the UK, now more than ever.

As always with Langdon events, it was the Langdon members who took the starring roles – for example, member Ben Brahams shared hosting duties with special guest, writer and comedian, Ivor Baddiel.

One of the highlights of the film was a sequence showing Langdon member Mark Butcher – who has built up a following amongst his friends for broadcasting music on Facebook using his Amazon Alexa device under the pseudonym of DJ Butch – being surprised with a socially distanced visit from a real superstar DJ to teach him how to professionally ‘spin the decks’ and mix tracks.

Other highlights included member Claudia Edelman, sharing a heartfelt story of growing up with no friends before she came to Langdon and talking about how she had learned to play the guitar as a distraction during lockdown; member Elissa demonstrating how she had learned to sign along to ‘This Is Me’.

Other stars of the show were our members from London and Manchester, Naomi Wunsh, Sara Young, James Dessar, Avi Pash, Yitzchak Englander, Adam Shieff, Gabs Joseph, Marcus Bean, Daniel Bourla and Laura Rockman.

So far the ‘Langdon On Air’ campaign has raised nearly £110,000 with further donations expected over the coming days and weeks.

Langdon’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Sara Pollins comments:
“The last year has been hugely challenging financially for Langdon. The incredible outpouring of support from the community for all our fundraising initiatives over the last seven months has been vital, and helps to ensure we can be there for our members now and in the future.”

Please watch our Langdon ON Air film below. To make a donation, please click the button below.