Miriam Margolyes OBE has donated £10,000 to be split between two charities and has issued the following statement.

“I have decided to donate £10,000 split between two charities I am extremely passionate about ‘The Keep It Fringe’ fund part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). 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. I strongly urge anyone to add to my donation as these are two extremely worthy causes”. Miriam Margolyes OBE 

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is the charity that underpins the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe. It was established in 1958 by a group of artists to provide central services for the festival and ensure that it stays true to its founding purpose of inclusion and welcome to all. They exist to support and encourage everyone who wants to participate in the Fringe; to provide information and assistance to audiences; and to celebrate the Fringe and what it stands for 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." 

For over 40 years, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has worked to uphold the health and dignity of Palestinian communities. Their vision is a future where all Palestinians have access to an effective, sustainable, and locally led healthcare system. Since October 2023, MAP has mounted its largest humanitarian response in its history. With the health system on the brink of collapse, MAP continues to provide life-saving support. In 2024 alone, they reached nearly one million Palestinians through partnerships with 16 local organisations, offering medical aid, clean water, food, and dignity kits. MAP has organised and deployed emergency medical teams to Gaza, bolstering a healthcare system under constant attack. In October 2024, they launched the “Solidarity Polyclinic” in central Gaza, delivering comprehensive healthcare, mental health support, and emergency services to hundreds of patients daily.  

Annie Turnbull, Acting Director- Fundraising and Marketing, Medical Aid for Palestinians, 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 iconic award-winning actress, TV personality and author Miriam Margolyes is currently performing her one woman show ‘Margolyes & Dickens: More Best Bits’ at the Pleasance EICC at the Edinburgh Fringe until 24th August.