Savera UK’s celebrity ambassador Sunetra Sarker is donating thousands to the charity after winning big on ITV’s The Chase.
Sunetra, known for her roles in BBC One’s Casualty and Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge, appeared on the celebrity edition of the popular quiz show on Sunday, 28th August.
She was joined by contestants Matty Lee, David Arnold and Basil Brush, and took back £5,000 in the cash builder round before facing chaser Darragh Ennis. The team together beat the chaser, winning £19,000 to be split between their chosen charities; Savera UK, CARE International UK, MIND Charity and Marie Curie UK.
The Liverpool-born actress became an ambassador for Savera UK in January 2020 having learnt more about harmful practices while filming an episode of Casualty focusing on the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM). She has supported the charity’s Speak Out Campaign and helped raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse other harmful practices, including forced marriage.
Sunetra said: “Savera UK is such an important organisation doing vital work to support people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices like forced marriage and female genital mutilation, and to educate people about these practices and how they are an abuse of human rights.
“I am proud to have represented the charity on ITV’s The Chase and incredibly happy to have raised £4,750 to support them in their mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.”
Savera UK Founder and CEO, Afrah Qassim, said: “We’re immensely thankful to our ambassador, Sunetra Sarker, for donating her winnings from The Chase to Savera UK. This money is going to make a real difference.”
“This money will help Savera UK continue its charitable work supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives with emotional and practical support, helping them to gain economic independence and move forward into their future with confidence while we also campaign to end these horrific practices.”
If you are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse or harmful practices, or would like some advice for someone else, you can call our confidential helpline on 0800 107 0726 (operates weekdays 10am – 4pm).