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Timothy Spall
Helen Baxendale
Jeremy Bowen
Lyse Doucet
Trevor Eve
Christine McCafferty (MP)
Dr Sandra Scott

An interview with Timothy Spall September 2007

How did you get involved with ChildHope?

ChildHope approached me and I agreed to become a Patron as I was so impressed by the quality of work and the total commitment of those working there. For such a small charity to be making such a genuine difference to the lives of so many children is amazing. I was thrilled to be asked to be part of it.

You grew up in South London. Why have you decided to support an overseas charity?

There are children in need of support all over the world including in the UK. However, I was shocked by the total lack of support available to so many vulnerable children and their families in many developing countries. Many children live in the most desperate and appalling conditions and for many of them, organizations such as ChildHope are their only hope.

Why is this charity so important to you?

I believe that when you have the chance to do something you really like, like acting, then you have to help other people to have a chance as well..… I love kids. I have got two and they have grown up in a ‘normal’ environment and I couldn’t see why other kids couldn’t have that kind of opportunity as well.

How do you help to raise awareness for the charity?

I attended the 10K run in London and handed out trophies to the winner, did some press photographs and an interview for ChildHope’s newsletter. I have also recorded a radio ad to help raise awareness of their work. Then there are interviews like this one, which I hope will promote the organisation and its great work. I try to do as much as my schedule allows. I hope to give my voice for a documentary ChildHope is planning about the lives of some of the children it works with. .

Have you ever visited one of their projects abroad?

You don’t always have to see something first hand to believe in it. I have supported ChildHope up till now without witnessing first hand the good the organisation has been doing. They strongly believe in working with local people who know best what’s needed to help these children. They also have excellent staff in the UK who support and visit the projects regularly. However, ChildHope have asked me to go and visit one of their projects in the future. Not only will I be able to see first hand the wonderful work they are involved in but if I can help draw attention to the plight of these children then that can only be good.

Do you attend many of their charity events?

If I am free, I make every effort to attend or if that isn’t possible I support ChildHope in other ways.

What will you do next to support ChildHope?

I hope to attend an exciting awareness raising event they are putting on in the River Room in the House of Lords later on in the year. There will be other celebrities present, along with some of their major supporters, members of parliament and others who are involved with their work. Hopefully this will really get the message out there and highlight the work they are involved in.

How would you encourage groups to help raise funds for ChildHope?

Something I know that ChildHope really needs at the moment is people to take part in parachuting or white water rafting as individuals or teams. These events are great fun and can l be done in the UK with friends or work colleagues. There is also a fantastic trek to Kenya in 2008 with places still available for supporters. The trip will also include the opportunity to visit the project there. Any support, no matter how small is always needed and always appreciated. Local community involvement such as pub quizzes, coffee mornings etc is a great way to raise funds and awareness for ChildHope. Talking to your employer and colleagues about payroll giving is helps so much in getting regular support and involvement from members of the public.

Do you support any other charities? If so, please can you tell me about the work you do for them?

Yes, I work with SANE, and Plan International.

Would you encourage more celebrities to get involved with charity work?

Definitely. It helps raise the profile of an organisation and encourage others to support the great work being done by chairities like ChildHope. It gives individuals in the public eye, like myself, the chance to highlight the often less well known work that is being done out there.