As the new patron of International Childcare Trust (ICT), it is a great honour to support such a worthwhile organisation. An organisation dedicated to protecting the world’s most deprived children, offering them opportunities it would otherwise be impossible to achieve.

In the UK, our basic rights to health care, education, and even the freedom for our children to play, are often taken for granted. And we also take for granted our freedom of speech, the powerful position we are in to voice our opinions when we feel these basic rights are not being met. Freedom and the ability to make a difference are not rights enjoyed by our neighbours in Africa and Asia.

Transport and communication systems of the modern world have connected us all however far apart we may live. We cannot afford to forget about the most impoverished and marginalised children. They are our children, wherever they may be.

Illnesses and wars in developing countries affect us all. If children are orphaned or become homeless, they are vulnerable – preyed on by adults eager to exploit them in the very worst forms of child labour, such as prostitution or armed combat. We cannot ignore their plight.

ICT’s support of grassroots NGOs in Africa and Asia ensures that children have the safety and security they need. They have access to their basic rights. They have a voice, and can be heard. They have the opportunity to grow into healthy, happy, well-balanced adults.

Please join me in supporting ICT’s excellent work today.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes
ICT Patron