Acclaimed broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson passes away aged 88

The beloved and celebrated broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has passed away peacefully aged 88.

The presenter, journalist and author had a career spanning more than 70 years – and as a resident in Bray, was a well-known figure in the local community.

The first Parkinson show aired on the BBC in 1971.

Its host interviewed some of the biggest names of the era, from Muhammad Ali and Orson Welles to Madonna and John Lennon.

The veteran broadcaster was also a patron of Alexander Devine Children's Hospice, a visible face at its black-tie events, helping to raise thousands for the hospice.

He supported the charity for more than 15 years, since the beginning of its life.

He was ‘keen to get involved’ because it was a local charity, helping children and was thuds ‘close to his heart’, said Alexander Devine founder, Fiona Devine.

“Right from the get-go, he was a real supporter,” she said. “He was very passionate about the cause.

“It was a long shot, [approaching him], but it paid off,” she added. “Having someone of his calibre part of the fabric of the charity, he was absolutely instrumental.”

Fiona described him as ‘a mentor and a friend’ who taught her ‘so many things’, encouraging her to get into public speaking and teaching her how to do interviews.

“He instilled a lot of belief and confidence in me,” she said.

Sir Michael also made several visits to Alexander Devine’s team that were never publicised, having tea and bonding with them.

“There are so many memories and so many things to be grateful for,” said Fiona. “We have lost a friend and a fantastic gentleman.”

Sir Michael was also a patron of Men’s Matters, a social group supporting older men, occasionally giving talks there and attending many events held by it.

He became its first patron in 2017 when it registered as a limited charity.

Men’s Matters reached out to Sir Michael who ‘very graciously’ agreed to come on board, showing an interest in supporting older men.

Sir Michael joined the group directly when he could – including on some memorable special occasions, such the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Men’s Matters trustee Paul Samuels remembers him taking part enthusiastically in a singalong with other members during the festivities.

“He just fitted in very well, he was very down to earth,” Paul said. “That really lifted the guys there, him joining in, being a part of the Men’s Matters group.”

 Sir Michael always took the time to talk properly with its members when he visited, Paul recalls.

“He was a great raconteur – he’d often have stories about Muhammed Ali or Billy Connolly,” said Paul.

“We very much appreciated having him as a patron. It’s very, very sad – he was a magnificent supporter of Men’s Matters. All the guys’ hearts are with his family at this difficult time.”

Sir Michael was also a club president of Maidenhead and Bray Cricket Club and gathered celebrities to take part in his annual charity cricket match, including presenter Chris Tarrant and footballer Gary Lineker.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council has also paid tribute. Councillor Neil Knowles, the Mayor, said:

“Sir Michael was an integral part of life here in the Royal Borough, always willing to lean in and support local charities, his support for Alexander Devine Hospice is particularly noticed but over the years Sir Michael had always been willing to help local causes.

"The borough will be a lesser place without him. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this sad time.” 

A statement from his family said:

“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.  The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”

Update 4.15pm: The cricket club paid tribute on Twitter, writing:

"It is with great sadness that Maidenhead & Bray Cricket Club marks the passing of Sir Michael Parkinson, one of its most influential and best-loved members.

"Sir Michael Parkinson - a cricket man through-and-through - joined the club in the early 1970s and he and his family have been stalwarts ever since, as players, administrators and supporters.

"His contributions to Maidenhead & Bray Cricket Club over the past half-century have been significant. Sir Michael was a bastion of the Club during its most successful cricketing period, becoming Club President in 1987.

"Many of our more recent members may not be aware just how much of a debt the club owes to Sir Michael for its continuing existence. His annual celebrity matches included huge names from the showbiz and sporting worlds, including a young Jonny Bairstow.

"Sir Michael and the Club hosted testimonial matches for professionals, including that of his long-time friend and team-mate from Barnsley CC, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, in 1984.

"More recently, as President of the Lords Taverners he continued to organise annual charity matches when celebrities drawn from the worlds of sports and entertainment would raise funds for the invaluable work done by the Tavs.

"Sir Michael was a regular visitor to the Club at weekends, to spectate and socialise with friends and family, enjoying Maidenhead & Bray's busy social scene and the Pavilion bar, and we will miss him deeply.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, Lady Mary Parkinson, his sons, Andrew, Nick and Michael, his grandchildren and the whole Parkinson family."

Update Friday, August 18, 9.20am:

Alexander Devine Children's Hospice has released a statement paying tribute to Sir Michael.

It says: "Today (August 17), we were deeply saddened to lose one of the longest standing members of our Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service family.

"Sir Michael Parkinson, our founder patron, has been with our charity since its inception. His belief in our vision, commitment to our cause and support for our ambitions have been a constant source of strength and guidance for us throughout our journey to deliver Berkshire’s first children’s hospice service.

"From holding the hand of our founder CEO Fiona Devine as she nervously made her first public speech to raise awareness of our charity in its beginnings, to proudly cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony for our children’s hospice some eleven years later, Sir Michael’s dedication to our organisation and the families we support has been unwavering.

"Speaking at our events, Sir Michael would capture the hearts and minds of our supporters. With his trademark charm, intrigue, and sense of humour, we were privileged to have his momentous talent as a driving force behind our mission. To put it simply, our journey would not have been the same without the extraordinary kindness, generosity and loyalty Sir Michael and his family have shown to us.

"It is true to say those we hold dear, never really leave us. We will proudly remember Sir Michael and embrace his passion, belief, and enthusiasm, it will be his lasting legacy.  We will carry Sir Michael in our hearts as we continue to care for the children and families that use our service.

"RIP Sir Michael Parkinson."