Michael Palin backs charity in memory of fellow Python Terry Jones

Fellow Python, and Highgate resident, Terry Jones lost his life last year to a rare dementia called primary progressive aphasia, a form of frontotemporal dementia.

Sir Michael, who lives in Gospel Oak, visited the National Brian Appeal with actor David Pibworth and Alison Telfer, former wife of the late Terry Jones.

Terry Jones and Michael Palin in 2012, outside The Angle Inn, Highgate, for the unveiling of a plaque to Graham Chapman (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

David, who lost his father to dementia, handed over a cheque for the charity’s project to create the Rare Dementia Support Centre in Queen Square after staging three tales from Ripping Yarns earlier this year. The production raised £5,000, which was match-funded by an anonymous donor.

Sir Michael said: “My friend Terry Jones was treated for his rare dementia at The National Hospital in Queen Square, so I know what he was going through, what his family were going through and, what we were all going through who were friends of Terry, and this is what the essence of this appeal is.

"They want for everyone affected by a rare form of dementia, like Terry, to get access to specialist information and support.”

Pictured with a cheque for the National Brain Appeal are (l-r) Professor Nick Fox, Julia Lipton, Alison Telfer, Sir Michael Palin and David Pibworth (Image: National Brain Appeal)