NSPCC: Lesley raises her voice for children

Opera star Lesley Garrett, CBE is today unveiled as the latest NSPCC ambassador in the charity’s fight against child cruelty.

Lesley, star of stage and screen and the UK’s favourite soprano, will take time out of her busy musical schedule to support the NSPCC and use her own experience as a mum of two to campaign on parenting issues.

Speaking about her appointment Lesley said: “I am absolutely delighted to accept the position of NSPCC Ambassador. I truly believe all children have the right to grow up loved and protected, free from abuse and neglect, and that as adults we all have the responsibility to make sure we do everything in our power to make this happen.”

Lesley has supported the NSPCC since 2000, performing concerts on behalf of the charity, carrying out media interviews on issues such as child abuse, internet safety and child deaths and donating opera tickets for auction. She was inducted into the NSPCC Hall of Fame in April 2004 at the House of Commons – a ceremony that acknowledges the work and commitment of NSPCC celebrity supporters.

Lesley is the eighth NSPCC ambassador joining pop stars Kylie Minogue and Peter Andre, sporting heroes Jonny Wilkinson, Amir Khan, Ade Adepitan and Alan Shearer, and Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones.

Ends

Media office on 0207 825 2604 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625

Notes to editors

Lesley Garrett’s work for the NSPCC:

Lesley began supporting the NSPCC in 2000 when she sang at the last FA Cup Final at Wembley as part of the Football Full Stop event. Throughout 2000 Lesley made various public appearances for the NSPCC and sang at fundraising events. During 2001 Lesley supported both Children’s Day and the NSPCC Don’t Turn Away campaign. Other highlights of Lesley’s involvement with the charity include appearing on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and winning £32k, a visit to an NSPCC therapeutic services project and a passionate interview on internet safety and child abuse for the NSPCC’s 2006 Don’t Hide It campaign,

The NSPCC ambassador programme:

Ambassador roles are offered to people who share the NSPCC’s mission to end cruelty to children. They are committed individuals who hope to use their public profile over the long term to help promote the messages of the NSPCC.

Our purpose:

The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children. Our vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We seek to achieve cultural, social and political change – influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours for the benefit of children and young people. For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk