Taylor Swift pays touching tribute to dad who walked 700 miles barefoot for sick 8-year-old daughter
Taylor Swift delivered a touching tribute to dad Chris Brannigan, who walked 700 miles barefoot to raise funds for research into his daughter’s illness (Twitter)
Taylor Swift has delivered a touching tribute to a father who raised £500,000 for research into his eight-year-old daughter’s illness by walking 700 miles barefoot.
The “You Need to Calm Down” singer paid tribute to major Chris Brannigan at the Pride of Britain awards on Sunday night (November 1) as he won the fundraiser award.
Brannigan made headlines when he completed his 700 mile walk from Land’s End to Edinburgh in August, raising half a million pounds for research into Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), which currently has no cure or treatment.
He was presented with the fundraiser award by presenter Ore Oduba and then received a special message from Swift.
“Hi Hasti and major Christ, this is Taylor,” Swift said in a heartfelt recorded video message.
“I just wanted to say to major Chris that what you did fills me with so much admiration. You raised so much money and awareness for charity.
“Hasti, you’re amazing! You’re so courageous and so inspirational. I really hope that I get to meet you someday. You are the Pride of Britain!”
Brannigan thanked Swift and Pride of Britain for the award on Twitter, but also gave a “special thanks to the incredible women and men of the British Army” who supported him in his “darkest hour”.
@taylorswift13 😱 Our Pride of Britain winner stories are even reaching other countries! #celebratingheroes #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/PhpMUIumVM
— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) November 1, 2020
The Pride of Britain awards recognise those who show selflessness and courage in their efforts to help others.
This year’s awards ceremony had a particular poignancy as the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on people’s lives and health.
Taylor Swift has emerged as a tireless LGBT+ ally.
Taylor Swift, a proud LGBT+ ally, is widely loved by fans for her touching, supportive and personalised messages.
In August, she made headlines when she wrote a letter to a gay fan praising him for “choosing to live and love honestly even when it isn’t easy”.
The singer, who released her latest album Folklore in July, told Andrew Mooney in the letter that she was “so proud” of him, adding: “In these times, I think it’s important to revel in the great moments when we can”, and congratulated him for finishing his PhD.
Swift has also won praise from queer audiences for her tireless support for LGBT+ rights and equality.
