Kind Russell Crowe stumps up £500 to pay for eye surgery for namesake – but there’s a catch
HOLLYWOOD superstar Russell Crowe has come to the rescue of Russell the crow.
The Gladiator actor helped owner Helen Motteram fund an operation for the bird which has a serious eye infection.
Feathered Russell went under the knife this week to have the peeper removed so he can live longer.
Helen had launched an online appeal and smashed her £1,500 target with the help of £500 from the New Zealand-born actor, 58.
She has raised £2,302 in total with money also helping other birds saved by her Russell’s Rescue charity in Gloucestershire.
Writing of the superstar’s donation, Helen said on Facebook: “A Christmas Miracle happened today as Russell Crow was given amazing support by a very famous actor with a very similar name.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it as I opened up my emails today and his campaign! It’s incredible.
“We just pray for another miracle on December 29th that his surgery goes well.”
She has since confirmed it did, with a post from the crow’s Facebook saying: “Rescued and rehabilitated. I have a human friend. I’m wild, supervised & free. International #RookStar.”
Actor Russell tweeted support for his namesake in 2017, respon-ding to a story about him: “Haha cool, what a nice lady Helen is to look after the poor blighter.”
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He also suggested playing the crow songs from his musical project The Indoor Garden Party.
In her earlier post, Helen added: “We wish you all a fantastic Christmas to all the human and animal families out there.
“We honestly are so grateful for all the love and support we’ve received. Generous donations in such a hard time. I am forever thankful and totally numb with the emotions I’m going through.
“I hope I can return the favour to every single one of you. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends, family and connections.”
“By helping to fund Russell’s surgery we can continue to fund our rescue which costs between £150 and £200 a week. Russell Crow is so truly grateful.”
It is not the first time that Thor: Love and Thunder actor Russell has helped a British charity this year.
In October, he reportedly gave £5,000 to a Norwich bookshop.
Owner Leanne Fridd said his “bonkers” donation would help outreach work with kids.