Entertainment
Thursday 3 July, 2008

Sir Paul's Paralympic pledge

Sir Paul and Sophie Christiansen

Sir Paul McCartney is urging people to donate funds to support Paralympic athletes.

The former Beatle is appearing in a TV advertising campaign this month to raise £2 million.

Cash from the appeal will be used to send athletes to the Paralympic Games in Beijing and for the future of sport for the disabled.

The campaign is organised by ParalympicsGB, which spends money on athletes' training, travel and medical support.

Sir Paul, 66, said: 'I met leading Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen and was completely blown away by her skill, dedication and the fact that she had won a gold medal for Britain, so I felt I had to do something.

'My suggestion was simple. Why not create an ad that would highlight the work of ParalympicsGB and call on the British public to donate much needed money.'

The campaign adverts were created by Team Saatchi and directed by Luke Scott, Ridley Scott's son.

Phil Lane, ParalympicsGB's chief executive, said he was 'delighted' by Sir Paul's help, and added: 'Our athletes are amazing people but the team needs a lot of financial support in order to compete.'

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.