PA/HBOGame of Thrones fans have launched a Just Giving page to raise money for the charity Mencap, where Kit Harington is an ambassador.
Following the conclusion of the hit HBO series earlier this month, it emerged the actor had checked himself into a rehabilitation centre to help him deal with stress, exhaustion, and alcohol related issues.
The facility was described as a luxury health retreat by Page Six, who revealed Harington is undergoing psychological coaching as well as practicing mindful meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy in order to combat stress and deal with negative emotions.
GettyA rep for the actor told the publication:
Kit has decided to utilize this break in his schedule as an opportunity to spend some time at a wellness retreat to work on some personal issues.
After the news broke, one of Harington’s fans set up the Just Giving page dedicated to the 32-year-old, with donations going to the charity Mencap, who support people with learning difficulties.
Harington is an ambassador for the charity, and in 2016 told Mencap he wanted to work with them to show those with learning difficulties ‘their lives are valued just as much as anyone else in society.’
HBOThe creator of the Just Giving page explained why they wanted to raise money for Kit’s charity of choice, writing:
Kit Harington has given so much to the fans of Game of Thrones over the past decade playing the King in the North, Jon Snow. He absolutely nailed his performance and we loved every second of screentime we had with him.
This fundraiser is here to show Kit that we’re incredibly thankful to him for the sheer amount of love and skill he put into Jon Snow for us to enjoy.
To show our gratitude, we’d like to contribute to the charity Mencap, which Kit has been supporting for several years. Mencap support people with learning disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
GettyIn a matter of hours, over 500 people have donated to the cause which has raised £7,520 at the time of writing (May 31). However there’s still a long way to go to reach the target, which the creator has set at £50,000.
I’m sure the actor would be honoured to know so many people are rallying around him at a tough time, and it’s great to see money being raised for such a brilliant cause.
You can donate to Mencap here.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to [email protected].
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.