MIRIAM Margolyes has donated £10,000 to charities associated with Gaza and the Edinburgh Fringe.
The legendary actress split the money between Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the "Keep It Fringe" fund, which is part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
It comes as Margolyes has been performing at the Fringe with her show Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits.
She also spoke of her love for the Fringe, but stressed that it was becoming harder for young people to afford.
Margolyes said she was "extremely passionate" about the two charities she had chosen to donate to.
She said: "The Fringe has given me so much and this money would go towards helping artists with soaring costs to perform.
"My head and heart are full of the situation in Gaza, where the need for everything is very great."
Margolyes added: "I strongly urge anyone to add to my donation as these are two extremely worthy causes.”
MAP has worked for more than 40 years to uphold the health and dignity of Palestinian communities, working towards a future where all Palestinians have access to an effective, sustainable and locally-led healthcare system.
Since October 2023, MAP has launched its largest humanitarian response in its history, providing life-saving support while Gaza's health system remains on the brink of collapse.
The charity reached nearly one million Palestinians in 2024 alone through partnerships with 16 local organisations, offering medical aid, clean water, food and dignity kits.
MAP has also organised and deployed emergency medical teams to Gaza, bolstering a healthcare system which is under constant attack.
Responding to Margolyes's donation, Annie Turnbull, acting director of fundraising and marketing at MAP, said: “This generous donation from Miriam Margolyes means more than the financial support - it’s a powerful statement of solidarity, of standing with Palestinians, and of standing up for the rights of Palestinians.
"On behalf of MAP, my Palestinian colleagues in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon, and the people they serve, I would like to thank Miriam for her kindness that will provide urgent care where it’s needed most.”
The charity supports and encourages those who want to take part in the Fringe, as well as providing information and assistance to audiences and to promote the festival all over the world.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: "We are incredibly thankful to Miriam Margolyes for supporting the Keep it Fringe Fund, which gives vital, direct help to artists.
"This kind of contribution has an immediate impact, removing barriers, creating opportunities and enabling more voices to be heard.
"The more support the fund receives, the more artists we can reach, and we hope others will be inspired to follow Miriam’s lead."
