Comedian Russell Brand is joining Duran Duran’s John Taylor and Roger Taylor to share their personal stories of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction, at a special charity fundraising dinner this weekend.

The celebrities will be in Birmingham to attend the Fire and Ice Ball to help raise funds to support the work of Changes UK, a Digbeth based organisation that works to help people with substance abuse detox and recovery.

John Taylor and Roger Taylor from Duran Duran Supplied
John Taylor and Roger Taylor from Duran Duran

Changes UK has set a fundraising goal of £50,000 for the evening as it celebrates 10 years of transforming lives, aiming at continuing the critical work they have been doing for the past decade.

The organisation works with individuals wanting to detox and start their recovery journeys, supporting them into stable accommodation and providing training and employment opportunities.

Comedian and Hollywood actor Russell Brand and musician John Taylor, as patrons of Changes UK, will share their stories of recovery during the evening. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, live entertainment and the chance to bid for money-can’t-buy auction and raffle prizes.

Russell Brand is in Birmingham for the Changes UK Fire and Ice BallSupplied
Russell Brand is in Birmingham for the Changes UK Fire and Ice Ball

Brand said: “This is such an incredible cause, one which continues to save and transform lives. Steve and his fantastic team remain close to my heart, as they have since the day we met, and I stand proud as their charity’s Patron. It’s crucial that we raise funds to ensure that their work continues for another decade and more.”

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor, both Birmingham natives, will take a break from the studio where they are working on a new Duran Duran album to join the celebration.

John said: “As always, we are proud to support Changes UK and the work they do for people in recovery as well as for their families. We look forward to celebrating ten years of Changes UK and helping to raise funds to ensure they are around for the next ten! See you on the 14th of December.

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Changes UK is recognised as a leading recovery model in the UK, a ground–breaking program of innovative recovery services, social enterprise and community regeneration.

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Russell Brand (left) with Changes UK founder and CEO Steve DixonSupplied
Russell Brand (left) with Changes UK founder and CEO Steve Dixon

Changes UK chief executive Steve Dixon, who founded the organisation after his own struggles with addiction, added:

“We have been able to work with so many people in our first 10 years to support them through their recovery journeys. But sadly, there are still so many people who are trying to find their way out of the cycle of addiction.”

“We offer counselling and a structured support programme as well as a place to go and a community who want to see them succeed. This requires a lot of investment in time and money and we hope the Fire and Ice Ball will raise much-needed funds to support and allow us to continue our work.”

Every £1 donated to Changes UK delivers a £14.38 social return on investment, making this social enterprise an extremely effective one.

Tickets are on sale now starting at £95, with exciting VIP packages available, including photo opportunities.


The ball will take place on Saturday 14th December at Millennium Point. Tickets can be purchased at: www.ticketline.co.uk/fire-and-ice-ball.

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