Uncategorized
Connor PR is proud to announce its work with Tackle Prostate Cancer and its Cycle & Bike to the Moon campaign for 2019
CYCLE TO THE MOON, BIKE TO THE MOON, LET’S SAVE A DAD! Tackle Prostate Cancer launches 2019 campaign to help raise awareness of prostate cancer • Prostate Cancer Charity Aims to “tackle” Prostate Cancer Through Cycling • UK charity, Tackle Prostate Cancer encourages everyone across the country to get on their bikes and Cycle to the Moon to fight Prostate Cancer and #SaveADad Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has launched their 2019 campaign ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bicycles or motorbikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer. Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling or motorcycle miles on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign was first launched in 2018 and received an overwhelming response from the public. This year, Tackle are expanding on Cycle to the Moon and welcoming the motorcycle community to join the mission to “tackle” prostate cancer. Bike to the Moon will encourage motorcycle clubs across the UK to join us in our journey and help us reach our goal. In the night sky, the Moon can appear to be barely larger than a pound coin. In reality it is almost 250,000 miles away. Big things can be deceptively small like that. Imagine being diagnosed with cancer in a part of your body that is barely the size of a walnut. This is prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and nearly 12,000 die from it – that’s one every 45 minutes. We need to reverse these statistics now. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon. Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.” Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”. Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said: “Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities; it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.” Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.” Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.” If you would like to get involved please go to: https://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling, biking for the fight against prostate cancer. You can organise your own cycling or biking event by yourself, with your friends and family, outdoors or indoors and get people to sponsor you. There are two ways in which you can raise money through your event: 1. Set up a fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving. This is just like JustGiving but Virgin Money Giving is a not-for-profit organisation and only charge charities the minimum fees needed to cover their running costs. You can easily see who has sponsored you and your supporters are automatically thanked. But you can of course thank them personally as well if you want. You can also create a team page for your club on Virgin Money Giving where individual pages can be linked together. This will show how much your event as a whole, has raised. 2. Use a sponsorship form If you prefer to use a form that people can fill out to support you, then this is the one for you. If you need any help or advice, please call James on 0300 365 4080 or email saveadad@tackleprostate.org -Ends- Notes to editors Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025 For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org. Join the conversation: Please use our #SaveADad on social media to show your support.#CycleToTheMoon or #BikeToTheMoon If you would like more details about this event, please visit the Cycle and Bike to the Moon website FB: www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/ Twitter: @tackleprostate Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer About Tackle Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues. In the UK: • 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer • 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 African Caribbean men will get prostate cancer • 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year • Men are more at risk of prostate cancer if: o you are aged 50 or over o you’re an African Caribbean man over 45 o you have a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer. Men with a greater risk of prostate cancer should consult their GP and explain that they are at higher risk and ask for a PSA test which are available FREE in the UK to men over 50
CONNOR PR PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH TACKLE PROSTATE CANCER AND LAUNCH THEIR INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
TACKLE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN
‘CYCLE TO THE MOON’ TO HELP RAISE AWARNESS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK, has announced their inaugural national cycling event ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ – a major fundraising initiative that will encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes and raise awareness and money for the fight against prostate cancer.
Cycle to the Moon is a chance for members of the public to show their support through their cycling miles either on the roads, in the gym, at home or on outdoor trails throughout the month of May 2018. The event is open to all ages regardless of ability. It is designed to be a fun, healthy activity raising funds on behalf of Tackle Prostate Cancer as well as encouraging the next generation to participate. It also aims to raise awareness and encourage men at risk of prostate cancer to get tests and earlier diagnosis. The campaign’s target is £250,000 – £1 for every mile between Earth and the Moon.
Roger Wotton chairman of Tackle Prostate Cancer says: “We know how devastating the diagnosis of prostate cancer can be. Raising awareness and funds through this campaign will hopefully see more men being tested earlier, and help accelerate a reduction in mortality figures. Prostate cancer doesn’t just affect the man diagnosed – it affects his whole family.”
Tackle Prostate Cancer is a patient-led charity addressing the real issues people face when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and helping people to cope with their diagnosis and treatment. As a National Federation, Tackle has 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members.
Cycle to the Moon ambassador, vocal coach and TV presenter David Grant, said:
“Prostate cancer does not care who it affects or the devastation it causes to patients and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart as my cousin was diagnosed, so I want to urge you to make a difference and get on your bikes and clock up some miles. One man dying every 45 minutes is a startling figure and we all need to do what we can to reduce mortality figures. This is a chance for members of the public to fight this cancer. The event is open to all ages regardless of abilities, it is designed as a fun and healthy activity whilst at the same time raising funds for Tackle Prostate Cancer.”
Prostate cancer is now a bigger killer than breast cancer. making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every penny raised will make a difference, lives will be saved and more people will be aware of the need to be tested. The money will help the charity continue to meet its objectives of campaigning on behalf of patients and raising awareness in the community. It will also enable the ‘Save a Dad’ initiative to be followed through in secondary schools where the aim is to get a discussion on prostate cancer in the National Curriculum, just as breast cancer is included today. Working through secondary schools Tackle would like to make teenagers aware that prostate cancer will impact 1 in 8 of their dads. The charity hopes that by educating the next generation about the importance of men being tested earlier it can help “Save a Dad”.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust, Chairman, Tackle Clinical Advisory Board said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Unfortunately many men are unaware of this fact and unaware that there is a blood test, PSA, that is an indicator of their risk. The ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ initiative will raise children’s awareness and thus their fathers. Undoubtedly, lives will be saved. Knowledge is power.”
Lord Rose, Ambassador for Tackle Prostate Cancer said: “One in eight men in the UK will develop Prostate Cancer. Tackle’s initiative ‘Cycle to the Moon, Save a Dad’ is an exciting fundraising event which aims, through schools, to raise awareness in the next generation and hopefully see more men at risk of prostate cancer having an earlier diagnosis.”
If you would like to get involved please go to: http://cycletothemoon.tackleprostate.org/ where you can download a fundraising pack full of great ideas and tips to get cycling for the fight against prostate cancer.
Email: saveadad@tackleprostate.org
-Ends-
Notes to editors
Media information: For images, interviews or case studies, or if you have a story please contact Siobhan Connor at Connor PR siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966177025
For information on support groups, prostate cancer and testing days, visit www.tackleprostate.org.
Join the conversation: Please use our #SAVEADAD on social media to show your support.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tackleprostate/
Twitter: @tackleprostate
Instagram: tackle_prostate_cancer
About Tackle
Tackle is the voice of prostate cancer patients and their families in the UK. As a National Federation, we only exist by virtue of our 90 support groups across the country, representing some 15,000 members. Effective communications is a challenge, not just in dealings with the media, but also in making sure our organisation stays in touch with its grass roots – patients!
So, how do we approach this challenge? Our overall strategy has three themes – Supporting Patients, Raising Awareness and Campaigning on Issues.
In the UK:
- 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men.
- You are more at risk of prostate cancer if:
- you are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
- your father or brother has had it.
- If you’re overweight or obese, you might have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (spread outside the prostate).
- If you’re a black man over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer
#Prostate Cancer #Cycle to the Moon #PSA #1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer #Siobhan Connor #Connor PR charity PR #Siobhan Connor Charity PR
Seasons Greetings from Connor PR
Farewell to the Godfather of Italian cooking #AntonioCarluccio who I had the pleasure of working with
Farewell to the Godfather of Italian cooking #AntonioCarluccio who I had the pleasure of working with on Comic Relief PR Campaigns and restaurant launches
SHROPSHIRE STAR.
Opening of Carluccios at Shrewsbury.
Antonio Carluccio speaks at the opening.
Connor PR, Antonio Carluccio, lifestyle PR, Consumer PR, Restaurant PR
Siobhan Connor of Connor PR columnist in My Shrewsbury Magazine
So here’s my second column in My Shrewsbury Magazine, edited by Katy Rink
?
SHIRLEY OAKS SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION REUNITE AT THE CARE HOME SITE FOR CANDLELIT VIGIL
SHIRLEY OAKS SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION REUNITE AT THE CARE HOME SITE FOR CANDLELIT VIGIL
MUSIC VIDEO TO LAUNCH AS FINAL CAMPAIGN LEGACY
INVESTIGATION PREPARES TO PUBLISH FINDINGS
LONDON, 27TH NOVEMBER 2016: 180 members of the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA) reunited this weekend at the site of the former children’s care home situated in Croydon and run by Lambeth Council, South London, currently at the centre of the troubled inquiry into allegations of child sex abuse. The former residents, part of the 700-strong survivor group – the largest represented within the inquiry – met to record a candlelit vigil at the site for a music video created as part of a legacy for the campaign, which has identified over 60 paedophiles and this year has seen a number of convictions for those who worked in Lambeth homes or looked after children in Lambeth in past decades. The music video, entitled ‘Looking For A Place Called Home’, will be released in early December at a press conference where the findings of the two year-long investigation will also be unveiled.
Despite the traumatic memories, the reunion at the site marked the start of a healing process for the victims. The candlelit vigil symbolised facing demons, unearthing the lies and resurrecting the truth. Written by Tanika and conceptulised by SOSA spokesperson, Raymond Stevenson, a music mogul who discovered and nurtured Jessie J, which features X Factor finalist (2015), Max Stone and a Gospel Choir put together from MOBO winner ISAIAH RAYMOND FROM RAYMOND & CO ‘Looking For A Place Called Home’ will be available from iTunes from in DECEMBER and go live on YouTube. All funds will go towards SOSA.
Raymond Stevenson, SOSA spokesperson, said: “SOSA made contact with the Shirley Oaks Village Residents Association and we explained to them that, despite the physical and sexual abuse, Shirley Oaks was a special place that kindled a spirit and has enabled Shirley Oaks ex-residents to unite once again in order to right the evils that were committed by these people. The memories of friendships formed and now reunited have also been an important part of the healing process. Having spoken with a few of the residents it’s clear that they are the right guardians to create new memories whilst respecting the old ones. Despite the negative publicity they have allowed us to hold a candlelit vigil at Shirley Oaks Village for SOSA members who are ready to face the demons, unearth the lies and resurrect the truth.”
Of all the scandals covered up by the child abuse inquiry, currently chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, the story of Shirley Oaks care home is among the most shocking and disturbing of all. Alongside the crisis-hit public inquiry, currently on its fourth chairwoman in just two years with a number of senior lawyers resigning in recent weeks at a cost of over £100 million, SOSA has compiled its own independent report, taking testimony about abuse from 400 of its members.
The report features witness testimony, extracts from official documents that have been leaked to them, as well as former staff and “house parents” who now support them and will prove that Shirley Oaks was infiltrated by paedophiles from the mid-1950s until its closure in 1983. They have identified 60 suspected paedophiles and the investigation has led to a number of arrests outside of official police investigations.
On Friday 18th November, SOSA officially withdrew from the public inquiry branding it an ‘unpalatable circus’ and stating that it has lost confidence in the leadership.
The inquiry, set up by Theresa May when she was Home Secretary, has repeatedly stressed that the confidence of victims and survivors in the inquiry is paramount. Yet Professor Jay has not contacted or met with the SOSA since her appointment in August. The inquiry has been beset by difficulties since it was set up in July 2014 to investigate allegations made against local authorities, religious organisations, the armed forces and public and private institutions in England and Wales, as well as people in the public eye.
Three chairwomen – former president of the High Court Family Division Baroness Butler-Sloss, her replacement, leading lawyer Dame Fiona Woolf, and Justice Goddard, a New Zealand High Court judge – have already stood down before Prof Jay took her place.
Following the resignation of four barristers over recent weeks who resigned over the handling of the inquiry, QC Michael Mansfield says there has been a “dismal failure” to work with survivors groups when picking candidates to lead the inquiry. In an interview with BBC’s Newsnight he said the inquiry has “crumbled” adding: “What has gone seriously wrong here is a dismal failure to consult with the survivors’ groups from the beginning, about appointments and about the substantive materials that have to be assembled.”
-ENDS-
Join in the conversation @ShirleyOaksSA / #ShirleyOaks
Media information:
For all media requests, images and interviews please contact Connor PR.
siobhan@connorpr.com Tel 07966 177025
Hayleyhamburg@hotmail.com Tel 07799 714727
Shirley Oaks Children’s Home
Shirley Oaks children’s home was based in Croydon, Surrey on a 70 acre site with 52 houses which catered between 8-14 children. Complete with its own school, swimming pool, works depot and a doctor’s surgery it was the only world most of the children would know. It opened in 1904 to glowing reports with the Southwark Annual stating how Shirley Oaks was a model village created for children whose parents had died or were unable to look after them. The mission statement was to train the children in a career away from the physical disadvantage of the crowded districts and also from the morally injurious influences which are powerfully demonstrated in the streets of the great metropolis. Tens of thousands of children passed through the gates of Shirley Oaks. For most vulnerable children aged between 2 -10 years, it was easy to believe they had been sent to an outpost of heaven. Lush green fields surrounded the village style setting with houses branching off the enclosed ring road which would end up being a road paved to hell. Sadly for most of the children they would have been better off to fend for themselves on the streets than being left in the hands of the state controlled children’s homes.
Raymond Stevenson and Shirley Oaks Survivors Association
Raymond Stevenson attended Shirley Oaks from 1967 – 1978. At 13 years old he was kicked out of Shirley Oaks and was sent to a boarding school in Surrey returning to Shirley Oaks at weekends and school holiday until the age of 15 where he was then sent to another children’s home where child abuse took place . Away from the cold, harsh environment he flourished and pursued the one good thing he remembered from the home which was the acting and dancing classes. From here, he attended the Laban Dance Centre and then won a scholarship at The Rambert School of Ballet. At 26 he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. After this he started a production company with his business partner Lucia Hinton and staged concerts and ran their own nightclub. Around the same time he developed artists such as Jessie J and produced various government funded campaigns centered around the issues of gun and knife crime. What no one knew during this period is Raymond suffered bouts of depression and he would say his recovery is only now just started. Having spent a lifetime trying to forget the physical and psychological abuse he suffered growing up in the home, Raymond was forced to relive the nightmare when he received a phone call from a person who was in the same children’s home as him. This was the first time Raymond learned about the true horror that happened to other children and that he didn’t suffer alone. The caller exposed what had taken place in Shirley Oaks to their siblings. Joining forces with Alex Wheatle, who also attended the home, themselves and other victims formed the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association. The first demand from the SOSA was that Lambeth council allow all their members and any other children who were in homes in south London to access their files. Reading his own file, Raymond released that along with the beatings and being drugged, the psychological trauma had impacted his life to the detriment. But as he conducted more interviews, he soon realised that his strife was nothing compared to many of his friends who suffered in silence and said nothing even when they played outside together. There were good house parents but they were few and far between and Raymond discovered after speaking to his favourite house parents that those who questioned Lambeth’s failings were quickly moved on.
“Goddard Inquiry: Children abused ‘on industrial scale'” Shirley Oaks
“Physical and sexual abuse on an industrial scale… remained unchecked for decades” at children’s homes in south London, a report by victims says.The report detailing allegations by 600 people will go before the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. At a preliminary hearing earlier, the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association was given “core participant status”.Its leader Raymond Stevenson said child abuse in the Lambeth Council-run homes had been a “reversal to the dark ages”. The abuse had resulted in the “shedding of thousands of tears”, he said, and called it a “shame on the establishment” and “institutionalised evil”. The Shirley Oaks survivors accused the police of failing to deal with the allegations adequately, resulting in a cover up. ‘Complex investigation’It is alleged two convicted children’s homes abusers were volunteer police officers. The group said it might request several barristers and solicitors to reflect the number of complainants it was representing, the High Court heard. It plans to make a formal presentation to the inquiry chaired by Justice Lowell Goddard, along with providing video evidence from members.The counsel to the inquiry, Ben Emmerson QC, told the hearing the investigation would be “extremely complex… spanning many years and many institutions in Lambeth”.It is one of 13 initial inquiries announced, including investigations into abuse within the Church, allegations against the late peer Lord Janner, abuse at children’s homes in Rochdale and claims of a Westminster paedophile ring.
Mr Emmerson said in the case of Lambeth, there had been claims that a former Labour minister, Lord Paul Boateng, had been named as an associate of one abuser, John Carroll, who was convicted in 1966 and 1999 of multiple charges. The BBC’s Newsnight programme recently presented information suggesting that Lord Boateng visited the Angell Road children’s home, run by Mr Carroll, signing a visitors’ book. It also claimed someone identifying himself as Lord Boateng asked if he could help to resolve a row which followed Carroll’s application to foster children. Mr Emmerson said no evidence received by the inquiry so far suggested any impropriety on Lord Boateng’s behalf. The peer denies knowing Mr Carroll. A key aspect of the inquiry will be whether an organised paedophile ring infiltrated both the children’s homes at Shirley Oaks, and Lambeth Council’s social services. Mr Emmerson said there was evidence a second paedophile lived at Mr Carroll’s Angell Road home, when he was running it, and that a third paedophile, Leslie Paul, was employed in children’s services at the same time. Paul was convicted in December of what a jury heard was “vile group sexual abuse”. The Lambeth inquiry will examine the actions of police, prosecutors and the Department of Health, and assess a number of past inquiries into the allegations. The inquiry is considering to what extent hearings should be televised.
The Guardian: 24th March 2016
“Children in Lambeth council’s care ‘abused on industrial scale””
Abuse survivor Raymond Stevenson tells Goddard inquiry preliminary hearing that more than 600 victims have come forward. The physical and sexual abuse of children in the care of Lambeth council took place on an industrial scale for decades, a survivors group told an independent inquiry into abuse.Raymond Stevenson, who heads the Shirley Oaks survivors group made up of victims of child sexual abuse in the care of the council in south London, said that what had taken place – and the alleged cover-ups afterwards – cast a shadow over the country.Stevenson, who was in the Shirley Oaks home as a child, said since setting up his group more than 600 survivors had come forward. He spoke of the scale and nature of the abuse suffered at the home, which was run by Lambeth council, and at other children’s homes in the borough, including Angell Road, Ivy House and Southvale, at a preliminary hearing in the Goddard inquiry into child sexual abuse.The inquiry counsel Ben Emmerson QC, said it would be examining whether the abuse within the Lambeth homes was carried out by an organised network of paedophiles. Emmerson said the investigation would attempt to piece together all the reports, evidence and allegations over more than four decades.He said allegations that the former government minister Paul Boateng had connections to the paedophile Michael Carroll, who ran the Angell Road home, would be examined. But the inquiry had so far seen nothing to corroborate any allegations of impropriety by Boateng, he said.
Stevenson told the hearing his organisation had amassed 400 pages of evidence from victims at Shirley Oaks and other homes that they were submitting to the inquiry.He said: “For those doubters who have questioned our accounts, the only way to reach the truth is to willingly suspend your disbelief. It required an extraordinary evil and in Lambeth’s case, an institutionalised evil.”He said the many inquiries into Lambeth which had taken place over decades would be seen as white washes. “The consequences mean many vulnerable children continued to suffer at the hands of paedophiles who had infiltrated Lambeth council, because they knew they could peddle their evil. ”The public investigation into Lambeth is one of 13 being undertaken by the Goddard inquiry into how institutions failed to protect children from sexual abuse in England and Wales over decades.
Emmerson said the scale of the investigation into Lambeth was complex and broad. It would examine whether there was an organised network of paedophiles operating in the borough. He said it would also examine how Lambeth came to employ at least three paedophiles at the same time. “The fact that Lambeth permitted a man [Carroll] convicted of the indecent assault of a child to run a children’s home is but one aspect of this investigation,” he said. “We will consider what evidence there is that there was organised sexual abuse in Lambeth children’s homes.” Allegations made on BBC’s Newsnight that Boateng was associated with Carroll, that he signed the visitors’ book at Angell Road and went on a caravan holiday with an organisation of which Carroll was a member, will also be examined by the inquiry, along with claims that DI Clive Driscoll was taken off a Metropolitan police inquiry into child abuse in Lambeth because he wanted to interview Boateng. Justice Lowell Goddard, who is heading the inquiry, said she wants to get to the bottom of what happened in Lambeth as one of her priorities.
BBC News: 10th March 2016
“Man charged with historical sex abuse in children’s homes”
A man charged with historical sex abuse in children’s homes. Philip Temple, 66, of no fixed address, is alleged to have abused 12 victims between 1971 and 1998. The offences are alleged to have taken place in children’s care homes managed by Wandsworth Council, Lambeth Council and Christ the King Monastery in Southgate, Enfield. Mr Temple was also charged with two counts of perjury.The charges were brought as part of Operation Trinity, which was launched after two allegations of abuse were reported to police in November 2012. Mr Temple appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody to appear at Croydon Crown Court in April.
The Telegraph: 21st November 2002
“Cleared priest in child risk checks”
A Roman Catholic priest is being assessed for any risk that he may pose to children more than two years after parishioners first raised concerns about him directly with Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. A child protection “risk assessment” on Fr Philip Temple, who is attached to the parish of Christ the King, Cockfosters, north London, was begun only after The Telegraph made inquiries about his case. The delay in acting on the parishioners’ concerns suggests that the Church’s tough new rules on child protection are either inadequate or not being adhered to fully. Fr Temple, 52, a Benedictine monk, stood trial for abusing a teenage boy and admitted in court to being close to the alleged victim and giving him “pocket money”. He was acquitted after a retrial in 1999 and returned to parish work. But members of the local congregation raised concerns about his continued presence in Cockfosters with the Archdiocese of Westminster.
Houses of Parliament: 30th October 2015
“MP Chuka Umunna and Helen Hayes Discuss
SOSA in Houses of Parliament”
BBC London News: 27th October 2015
“Shirley Oaks Abuse: Calls for Case of Hanged Boy to be re-opened”
Former residents of a children’s home in south London targeted by paedophiles have called for an investigation into a boy’s death in 1977 to be reopened. Three people have been convicted of child abuse at Shirley Oaks in Croydon that took place in the 1970s and 80s. Survivors of abuse there believe Peter Davis, 15, found hanged there 38 years ago, may not have killed himself. Lambeth Council has acknowledged “very serious historic failings” and apologised to those abused in its care. Shirley Oaks, which closed in 1983, was an 80-acre site that included cottages where children in care were looked after by house mothers and fathers.
Read the full story here.
The Mirror: 24th November 2015
“Labour MP Chuka Umunna demands new probe on death
of Shirley Oaks abuse victim Peter Davis”
Peter was 15 when he was found hanged at the children’s home in Croydon – survivors of abuse there believe he may not have killed himself. An MP has called for police to reopen the investigation into the death of a boy at a children’s home targeted by paedophiles in the 1970s.Peter Davis was just 15 when he was found hanged at Shirley Oaks, which was run by Lambeth council in South London.Three people have been convicted of child abuse at home in Croydon that took place in the 1970s and 80s. Survivors of abuse there believe Peter may not have killed himself.Lambeth Council has acknowledged “very serious historic failings” over previous standards of care and have apologised to those who suffered.Peter was the chief witness in a rape trial at the Old Bailey two years before he died where he gave evidence about his own rape and that of another individual.Court documents from Old Bailey cases were made secret for 100 years in 2003.Chuka Umunna , Labour MP for Streatham, who has constituents who are Lambeth abuse survivors said: “By the police’s own admission, previous investigations were ‘of the time’ and did not meet the standards we would apply today. “The police owe it to the survivors group to reopen the investigation into Peter Davis’s death.”Former senior detective Clive Driscoll said reopening the case would be a “great opportunity for detective work”.
Read the full story here.
Sky News: 27th November 2015
Lambeth Council will be included in the Goddard Inquiry
The Anglican and Catholic churches and “certain people of public prominence associated with Westminster” will be investigated by the independent abuse inquiry, it has been announced. Justice Lowell Goddard, who is leading the investigation, also said councils in Lambeth, Nottinghamshire and Rochdale will be examined. She set out 12 different areas which will come under scrutiny. Justice Goddard said: “The investigation will focus on high-profile allegations of child sexual abuse involving current or former members of parliament, senior civil servants, government advisers and members of intelligence and security agencies. “It will consider allegations of cover up and conspiracy and review the adequacy of law enforcement responses to these allegations.” It will also focus on abuse in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, she said. The inquiry was established last year after claims of a high-level cover up of abuse and has been hit by delays after two of the previous chairwomen resigned.It will be the largest ever public inquiry in Britain and is expected to take up to five years and cost tens of millions of pounds.Justice Goddard acknowledged the inquiry’s task is a difficult one.
Read the full story here.
SWLondoner: 27th November 2015
Child sex abuse inquiry to investigate
Lambeth Council over ‘historic failings’
An independent child sex abuse inquiry taking place across England and Wales will investigate ‘historic failings’ by Lambeth Council. Councils across the country accused of poor child care will be investigated alongside the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches and politicians. The inquiry, chaired by Justice Lowell Goddard, is due to take five years and will be of ‘unprecedented’ size in the UK. “We plan to investigate failings to protect children in the care or supervision of Lambeth Council,” she said. “We will also conduct a wide-ranging investigation into sexual abuse in residential schools. “We will also conduct an overarching investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by certain people of public prominence associated with Westminster.” She explained how determined those involved in the investigation were to ‘give a voice to the victims and survivors’. The 12 investigations will include the exploitation of children and alleged sexual abuse by members of the church. It will also look into allegations of a child sex abuse ring operating in Westminster. The inquiry will investigate the historic failings at children’s homes run by Lambeth in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
Read the full story here.
BBC News: 10th December 2015
Shirley Oaks abuse campaign find ’32 paedophiles’
Campaigners on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse at the Shirley Oaks children’s homes in south London have said they received allegations that 32 paedophiles were involved. Three people were convicted of child abuse which took place at the homes in the 1970s and 80s. Abuse survivors believe there are other offenders who were never prosecuted. They have compiled testimony which will be handed to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse. Fifty-two houses on the 70-acre Shirley Oaks site, near Croydon, looked after children in care between the ages of eight and 14 from the 1950s to 80s. The Shirley Oaks Survivors’ Association launched a campaign video on Wednesday featuring accounts of adults who were brought up there.
Read the full story here.
Metropolitan Police: 22nd December 2015
Leslie Paul has been found guilty of ‘historical’ child abuse in Lambeth’s South Vale children’s home.
Leslie Paul, 64 (09.05.51) of Clephane Road, N1 was found guilty on Monday, 21 December, at Blackfriars Crown Court of all the offences he faced, which included indecent assault and indecency.Over an eight-year period, between 1980 and 1988, Paul carried out the offences at Lambeth childrenfs home, South Vale, where the four male victims resided.In October 2012 the first victim came forward to report allegations against Paul. An investigation was launched by detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse (SOECA) Command under Operation Trinity. Further victims were identified as a result of police inquiries, and on 13 March 2013 Paul was arrested at his home address.Officer in the case, DC Suzanne Lister, of SOECA said: “Paul was responsible for the care of his victims; the ultimate position of trust. He used that power to take advantage and commit the most serious of crimes against them. I commend the bravery of the victims who have been forced to relive their experiences in an open court. It is their testimonies which have brought Paul to justice today, and I hope they take some comfort from that.
Read the full story here.
Islington Gazette: 14th January 2016
Canonbury sex offence man jailed for 13 years
after abusing his position of trust
Canonbury man was jailed for 13 years this afternoon for 17 historical sexual offences against children in his care. Leslie Paul, 64, of Clephane Road, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court for offences of indecent assault and indecency while working as a carer for Lambeth Social Services.
Between 1980 and 1988, Paul carried out the offences at Lambeth Children’s Home in South Vale, where the four male victims resided.In October 2012, the first victim came forward to report allegations against Paul. An investigation was launched and further victims were identified. Paul was arrested at his home address in March 2013.He had been found guilty of the offences at Blackfriars last month.One of the victims released a statement through specialist abuse lawyers Irwin Mitchell after Paul was sentenced today.
Read the full story here.
BBC News: 14th January 2016
Lambeth social services carer Leslie Paul jailed for child sex abuse
A former Lambeth social services carer has been jailed for 13 years for sexual offences against children in his care. Leslie Paul, 64, of Clephane Road, north London, committed the offences between 1980 and 1988 at a Lambeth children’s home, where his four male victims lived. He was convicted of a string of assaults at Blackfriars Crown Court. Jailing him, Judge John Hillen said Paul used his position, power and charisma to groom and abuse the boys.Paul was last month found guilty of 15 indecent assaults, one count of indecency with a child under 14, and one count of aiding and abetting indecent assault on a boy under 14. He pleaded guilty to one count of making an indecent image of a child on or after 1 January 2005. Group of paedophiles. The court heard that one victim was subjected to “vile group sexual abuse” by Paul and other unidentified men. The judge told him: “If you were not part of a paedophile ring, you were at least knowledgeable about and in contact with a group of paedophile men.” Paul had also been jailed for offences against children in 1994 and 2002 – and in 2002 a sentencing judge said he believed Paul had achieved rehabilitation following the historic offences.But the most recent investigation started in October 2012 after a victim came forward with allegations against Paul. An inquiry was launched by detectives from the Met’s Operation Trinity and further victims were identified.
Read the full story here.
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
Children in the care of Lambeth Council
An inquiry into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children in the care of Lambeth Council from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Scope of investigation:
The Inquiry will investigate the nature and extent of, and institutional responses to, the sexual abuse of children in the care of Lambeth Council (‘the Council’), including those cared for in children’s homes, by foster carers and/or by adoptive parents. The investigation will incorporate casespecific investigations and a review of i nformation available from published and unpublished reports and reviews, court cases, and previous investigations. In doing so, the Inquiry will consider the experiences of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse while in the care of the Council, and investigate: …. 3.1. a consideration of child sexual abuse which took place at A ngell Road, Monkton Street, Ivy House, South Vale, and Shirley Oaks Children’s Homes;
BBC News: 2nd March 2016
“The Council that employed an abuser to look after children”
Why have successive investigations failed to establish the full truth behind sexual abuse at care homes in a south London borough?Justice Lowell Goddard will this month begin preliminary hearings into historical allegations that hundreds of children were abused in a wide range of institutions across the UK. Establishing the truth about the number of paedophiles who looked after, or had inappropriate access to, children in the care of Lambeth Council in south London is one of her priorities. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Lambeth had it all. Local politics in south London was dominated by big characters with radical ideas. Lambeth was a melting pot – and it became a byword for corruption, fraud and abuse. Abuse, that is, of children who had been placed in the care of the local authority, where they should have been safe. Image copyrightAlamyImage captionLambeth town hall in south LondonOver the last 18 months, Newsnight has spoken to former police officers, officials and survivors who have expressed deep concerns about what went on in Lambeth – not just during the period when children were being abused, but as successive police investigations were launched.Between 1974 and 1994, more than 14,000 children passed through the care of Lambeth social services, and more than 7,000 were placed in its children’s homes. But during the same period, a number of child abusers were employed in Lambeth’s children’s homes, some of whom have been prosecuted. The most recent was Les Paul, convicted (for the third time) in January of abusing four boys in his care in Lambeth in the 1980s and jailed for 13 years.
The Mirror: 2nd March 2016
“Cop axed from case after bid to quiz abour peer
Lord Boateng about paedophile”
Det Insp Clive Driscoll says he was fired before he could ask Mr Boateng about John Carroll, a children’s home boss jailed for 10 years for abusing youngsters in the 1970s and 1980s. A detective was axed for saying he wanted to talk to then Labour police minister Paul Boateng over a probe into a known paedophile, it was claimed last night. Det Insp Clive Driscoll says he was taken off the case before he could ask Mr Boateng about John Carroll, a children’s home boss jailed for 10 years for abusing youngsters in the 1970s and 1980s. Mr Driscoll said in 1998 he identified a number of people he wanted to talk to about Carroll. BBC2’s Newsnight last night named one of them as Mr Boateng. Theresa Johnson, an ex-social worker who worked under Carroll at the Angell Road care home in Lambeth, South London, said she saw Mr Boateng at the home six times and once spoke to him. An unnamed youth worker claims he saw Mr Boateng at a holiday camp for young people in care, run by Caroll. He claimed Carroll boasted of his friendship with Mr Boateng. There is no suggestion Mr Boateng – now a Lord – has done anything wrong. The IPCC is supervising the Met’s review on why Mr Driscoll was axed and what happened to his information.An inquiry into historical child sex abuse claims is being chaired by Justice Lowell Goddard. Mr Boateng said last night: “As a campaigning youth justice lawyer I acted for many young people in care and visited many youth facilities in the course of my work.“I didn’t know Mr Carroll personally and have no recollection of meeting him professionally or visiting the Angell Road children’s home or anywhere else where he was present. I’m unaware how the investigation into Mr Carroll was conducted. I therefore cannot comment on why the police did not seek my assistance.”
The Telegraph: 2nd March 2016
“Met detective removed from post after saying he wanted to
approach Paul Boateng about child sex abuse”
Justice Lowell Goddard is charing the inquiry into historical child sex abuse allegations at a number of institutions, including Lambeth Council’s care homes 170118EmailNew Scotland Yard Photo: Alamy By Telegraph Reporter12:50AM GMT 02 Mar 2016A Scotland Yard detective was removed from his post after telling colleagues he wanted to approach Paul Boateng – then government minister in charge of police – about the activities of a convicted paedophile. The BBC has reported that sources believe Det Insp Clive Driscoll intended to ask Mr Boateng what if he knew anything about a known child abuser, John Carroll, who had been running Angell Road care home in South London. But before Mr Driscoll could approach him in 1998, he was taken off the case. There is no suggestion Paul Boateng had done anything wrong, and he has denied any personal or professional affiliation with Mr Carroll. However two people who had given information to Mr Driscoll’s inquiry spoke to BBC Two’s programme Newsnight, and suggested Mr Carroll and Mr Boateng did know each other. Paul Boateng Photo: Heathcliff O’malleyA social worker, Teresa Johnson, who had worked with Carroll at Angell Road, said she had seen Mr Boateng at the home on up to six occasions during the mid-1980s. Another witness claimed he had seen Mr Boateng during caravan holidays for children run by a charity, called the Association of Combined Youth Clubs. Carroll was a member of the ACYC. The witness claimed Carroll had boasted of his friendship with Mr Boateng. This witness told Newsnight: “John Carroll would regularly talk about him [Paul Boateng] being able to open doors for him.” Lord Boateng told the BBC he has no recollection of going to Angell Road or of meeting Mr Carroll. He said he remembered the ACYC charity but has no recollection of visiting during the caravan holidays. Justice Lowell Goddard this month begins hearings for her inquiry into historical allegations of child sexual abuse in a wide range of institutions, and has stated that one of her priorities will be to get to the bottom of what happened in Lambeth. Speaking to Newsnight, Mr Driscoll said: “I am immensely proud to [have been] a police officer and immensely proud to [have been] a Metropolitan Police officer, but this is the one period in my career which just troubles me greatly.” The Met said it could not comment because an inquiry is under way.
Croydon Advertiser: 1st August 2015
“Witness saw baby being ‘beaten by staff member’ at Shirley Oaks”
A woman who was at Shirley Oaks Children’s Home in the early 1970’s claims she witnessed a six-month-old baby being beaten by a member of staff. More allegations of abuse at the Lambeth Council-run home emerged this week as a result of the Advertiser’s ongoing investigation Joanne Davies, 51, from Sutton, was placed at the home in the early 1970’s and spent a few years there. She said although she never witnessed or heard of sexual abuse during her time, she recalled seeing an horrifuc incident during her stay.
Tales from the South Bank: 23rd July 2015
“Shirley Oaks Survivors Group at Lambeth Council”
Survivors of Shirley Oaks children’s home made representations to Lambeth Council. The full council meeting was attended by two thirds of councillors. The public galleries overflowed. Councillors apologised for abuse that happened in the 1960-80s. Survivors said this was the first time they had heard the word “sorry” from Lambeth. Survivors expressed distrust in Lambeth, the Police and the Goddard inquiry. Many survivors would not even step into a council meeting. The survivors group has yet to decide if they will cooperate with the Goddard inquiry.
The survivors group spoke of a climate of fear amongst survivors and potential whistle blowers. The survivors mention the previous death of a potential whistle blower. The group said previous inquiries resulted in the suicide of four survivors. The survivors accused the council of being party to previous cover ups. The council assured the survivors this would not happen this time. “Liars” was shouted from the public balcony. Opposition leader Briggs spoke of the lack of support from the Labour group for a motion he had forwarded in November.
The Sunday Express: 26th July 2015
“Music mogul in fight to expose child abuse”
Music mogul Raymond Stevenson, who discovered the former Voice judge when she was 15, said he and his friends were regularly beaten and drugged at Shirley Oaks in Surrey. Dozens of others were sexually abused and Raymond, 51, believes the investigation is being hampered because it reaches into the heart of government. He said “very powerful people” were involved in the abuse and the cover-up, including a Labour minister known as The Godfather. Jimmy Savile also visited the home. Police are investigating the allegations of abuse at the home near Croydon, which closed in 1983. He warned: “There are still people pulling the strings. The fear is that the authorities are hell bent on covering up their failings of the past because it implicates too many powerful people.”
BBC News: 14th July 2014
“Author Alex Wheatle: ‘Systematic abuse where I grew up'”
Author Alex Wheatle said he was abused at a south London children’s home where he lived from 1966 until 1978. There was “systematic” physical, sexual and emotional abuse there, he said. Mr Wheatle, who was appointed MBE in 2008, told the BBC few paper records would exist so victims must be made to feel “confident” to come forward. He said he had addressed issues of abuse in his novels, but now aged 51 he had decided to speak publicly about the abuse he suffered at Shirley Oaks children’s home. “I have spoken about violence before but not the sexual assault,” he said. The government has recently announced two inquiries into historical child sex abuse allegations, one of which will examine how state institutions handled their duty of care to protect children from paedophiles.
BBC National News: 7th August 2015
“Turning the Tables on Child Abuse”
A chance meeting between two men who realised they had both been abused in the same Surrey children’s care home has led to a campaign that has seen hundreds of former residents alleging they were also victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.Music producer Raymond Stevenson, physically abused during his time at the Shirley Oaks home in the 70s, met a childhood friend last year who revealed he’d been raped at the institution. Within a few months, the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA) was hundreds strong. “At the very first meeting I can remember there was lots of hugging lots of crying – it was really we are together now, they can’t harm us again,” Stevenson recalls. “No lies can penetrate our lives because we feel we were going to reveal the truth.” The south London production office, from where Stevenson promoted music stars like Jessie J, now looks more like a police incident room. A map on the wall includes details of allegations from hundreds of former residents, suggesting physical, sexual and emotional abuse was routine at many of the houses on the 72-acre Shirley Oaks site. “We have been in contact with over 300 people and the stories we are getting are just horrific,” Stevenson says. “Every time we interview someone and hear about what happened to them, it brings tears to our eyes
Read the full story here.
The Croydon Advertiser: 15th August 2015
“Care Home Abuse Victims Hope Song Will
‘Cut Through Statistics’ and Encourage Testomonies”
A GROUP of survivors of abuse at Shirley Oaks children’s home have made a song to “cut through the statistic” and encourage more victims to come forward. Music producer Raymond Stevenson was abused at Shirley Oaks in 1966 when he was three years old. He now heads up Urban Concepts, the song’s creators, and the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA). Mr Stevenson, who has worked with stars including Jessie J, said he wants people in Croydon to listen to the song and come forward with any information they may have. He said: “We wanted to cut through all the statistics. There is so much going on and we wanted something that will cut through that and reach the people who matter: the British public.” The song, Don’t Touch It – It’s Mine, features testimonies from Shirley Oaks survivors and Mr Stevenson said Urban Concepts plan to make a video featuring 1,000 survivors of abuse.
BBC Radio 4
SOSA and the Goddard Inquiry
BBC News: 24th March 2016
“Children ‘abused on an industrial scale’ at south London care homes'”
Children were sexually abused on an “industrial scale” at council-run care homes in south London, an inquiry has heard.Vulnerable youngsters were the victims of “institutionalised evil” over a period of decades at homes run by Lambeth council, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was told.The claims were made by a representative of alleged abuse victims from the Lambeth-run Shirley Oaks home in Croydon. Raymond Stevenson, from the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association, told the inquiry: “What took place at Shirley Oaks and other children’s homes in Lambeth was physical and sexual abuse on an industrial scale which remained unchecked for decades. The damage done was irreversible.”He added: “Lambeth council itself has had many inquiries in the past. For whatever reason, including council cover-ups and institutional cover-ups … we now see they were whitewashes.”Allegations of abuse handed out to vulnerable youngsters while in the care of authorities in Lambeth will form part of the wide-ranging inquiry led by Dame Lowell Goddard, which will also investigate the Anglican and Catholic churches and children’s homes run by Rochdale Council.
Mr Stevenson was speaking at a preliminary hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, which focused on allegations about a string of homes run by Lambeth council. Claims that the former Labour minister Lord Paul Boaten visited a children’s home run by Michael John Carroll and went on a caravan trip organised by a youth group were made on the BBC’s Newsnight programme at the start of March, the counsel to the inquiry Ben Emmerson QC said. Carroll, who ran the Angell Road home in Lambeth, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1999 for a string of child abuse charges. Thursday’s session also heard that Lambeth council knew in 1986 that Carroll had a conviction for indecently assaulting a child but did not stop him continuing to work with children. Mr Emmerson told the hearing that Newsnight had claimed that Detective Inspector Clive Driscoll, who investigated Carroll, “wanted to speak to Lord Boateng … but was removed from the investigation and subjected to disciplinary action”. He told the inquiry that the peer was alleged by the programme to have signed the visitors’ book at Angell Road and gone on a caravan trip organised by the Association of Combined Youth Clubs (ACYC). Mr Emmerson added: “The inquiry has so far seen nothing to corroborate any allegations of impropriety by Lord Boateng.” He added that the peer denied “any knowledge of Carroll or any involvement with him” or of going on a caravan trip with the ACYC. Lord Boateng was the Labour MP for Brent from 1987 to 2005. He was a Home Office minister between 1998 and 2001 and went on to be chief secretary to the Treasury between 2002 and 2005. He was made a peer in 2010. A spokesman for Lambeth council said: “Lambeth council welcomed the decision to hold a national inquiry and has been fully cooperating with it. “Documents and information held by Lambeth council that may help investigate historical child abuse in Lambeth have already been gathered. “We first approached officials from the inquiry in March last year offering to share this material, and are honouring that pledge.”
BBC News: 4th April 2016
“Physical and sexual abuse on an industrial scale.
Lambeth historic abuse allegations.”
BBC News: 10th August 2016
“Ex-priest Philip Temple jailed for child sex abuse”
A former social worker and Catholic priest has been jailed for 12 years after admitting historical child sex abuse charges dating back to the 1970s.
Philip Temple, 66, admitted abusing 12 boys and one girl while working in south London care homes and a north London church. He also admitted lying on oath in the 1990s when he was cleared of child sex abuse charges against a teenage boy. Judge Christopher Hehir apologised to the victim at Woolwich Crown Court. He said: “I am sorry justice was not done when you came to court in 1998 and 1999.” The victim, who cannot be named, told the court he self-harmed, became a recluse and even tried to kill himself after the previous trials. He said: “I can only imagine the damage he has caused to other victims. We can never escape what he did and we can never be free of it.” In a statement read out in court, one victim said: “I feel like I have been robbed of my childhood and sometimes when I see other children in the street I wish I could go back in time and be a child again.” During sentencing, the judge told Temple: “You of course exploited the opportunities your deceit as to your character had afforded you, not only by sexually abusing children but, as a priest, by lying on oath to deny the truthful accusations brought against you by one of your victims. “Your actions as a priest demonstrated that in truth you were a wolf in shepherd’s clothing.” On Tuesday, Temple admitted seven charges committed in the 1970s. He had already admitted 20 similar charges and two of perjury at Croydon Crown Court in April.
Temple abused boys and a girl while working as a social worker in Lambeth and Wandsworth councils between 1971 and 1977. He became a priest in 1988 and served at Christ the King Monastery in Cockfosters, where he abused two children, including an altar boy. He abused youngsters in children’s homes in south London, including the Shirley Oaks complex near Croydon, the court heard. Raymond Stevenson of the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association said: “If Temple had been caught at Shirley Oaks he would not have been able to abuse anyone else.” A Lambeth Council spokesman said it was cooperating fully with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and added: “We hope the outcome provides some solace to the victims of these dreadful crimes.” A spokesperson for the Catholic Church in England and Wales said when concerns were raised it was limited in the measures it could take because as a monk he was answerable to the head of his order in Italy rather than the archdiocese here.
BBC News: 8th September 2016
“Survivors’ group ‘loses faith’ in child sex abuse inquiry”
A 600-strong survivors’ group has lost faith in the independent inquiry into historical child sexual abuse, its leaders have said. Shirley Oaks Survivors Association told the BBC it would recommend withdrawing from the Lambeth strand of the inquiry because it was not “truly independent”. Ex-inquiry chair Justice Lowell Goddard has said she was prevented from picking her own staff, and that civil servants were prioritised by the Home Office. Home Secretary Amber Rudd denied this.The treatment of children in care in Lambeth, south London, during the second half of the 20th Century is one of 13 areas that the inquiry is looking at. But the Shirley Oaks group said the Home Office was one of the institutions that had failed children in care in Lambeth in the past – and that the scale of its presence in the inquiry staff represented a conflict of interest. Raymond Stevenson, from the survivors’ group, told BBC Newsnight there had been a sea change in the way the inquiry was operating. “We have to recommend at this moment in time that we pull out. We have given the inquiry an opportunity to meet us. We contacted them two weeks ago and we are still waiting for a meeting,” he said. “Some of our members have been through investigations before which had Home Office members and staff part of it so we have been through that. “This is about the third investigation Lambeth has been through so what we wanted from this was for it to be truly independent. We were sold a theory it would be truly independent.”
South London Press: 16th September 2016
South London Press
South London Press: 23th September 2016
South London Press
SOSA: VIRAL INTERIM REPORT: PART 1: WHISTLEBLOWERS
In response to IICSA and the latest statement from Professor Alexis Jay: We at SOSA now have no option but to continue delivering our own justice, whilst the contrived chaos ensues.
Dear Tim Loughton MP,
RE: OPEN RESPONSE TO THE HOME AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE 18.10.16
On Tuesday 18th October, I attended the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) as part of my role as Chair of Shirley Oaks Survivors’ Association (SOSA). As always, I started off with an open canvass which in my case meant banishing the pre-conceived mistrust, which I developed as a child, of those who claim to be redeemers of victims of child abuse.
Up until now I have made no personal criticism of Alexis Jay as deep down I hoped her response to questions asked by the HASC would give me an insight into why she believes that, despite her lack of judicial knowledge and investigative skills, she has what it takes to unravel the Pandora’s box of institutionalised falsehoods perpetrated by various local and central Government establishments over decades.
As many people now know, 45 minutes into the nauseating regurgitation of tick box answers to legitimate questions, I realised the flashbacks I was getting were not a placebo and as I had predicted, it was GROUNDHOG DAY. Talking down day; thinking they know better day; limited with the truth day. Sadly it got worse as I was forced to listen to the uninspired and unconvincing performances of Jay and her panel members. Despite their best intentions, I was left with the impression that they were the ones who knifed Justice Goddard and Ben Emmerson in the back – this maybe just my paranoia so I won’t rebuke myself for this.
Throughout their responses I heard the same mumbling pseudo intellectual theories that I had violently rejected as a child being interwoven into the outcome of Jay’s strategic review of the IICSA – this was as I had feared. Her big eureka proposition to get to the truth is to create forums for seminars and thematic talk shops: techniques which have been rehashed from the 1970’s social services hand book which were inherit in all the past failed inquiries.
Nothing I heard eased my concerns that Alexis Jay has been parachuted in, off the back of Rotherham, on behalf of the Home Office, to stifle rather than get to the truth. What I did learn is that we, the Shirley Oaks Survivors and the public, have been lied to about the failings of the Inquiry for many months.
Before we can make an informed decision as to whether SOSA can remain a part of the IICSA Inquiry, despite Jay’s obvious limitations, we need some comprehensive answers to some very simple questions, many of which have been fudged or unanswered in the past, so we are making this letter public:
-
At the HASC, Alexis Jay insisted her appointment despite being a social worker, was endorsed by the Victim Support Consultative Panel (VSCP) whose job it is to advise the Inquiry. This we know to be untrue because at a meeting on 9th September 2016 where we met with Ben Emmerson, Elizabeth Prochoska, Alix Rejman and 3 members of the VSCP, in response to asking why the VSCP did not point out the obvious conflict with Jay’s appointment, we were immediately informed that this had been raised by 2 VSCP members. Emmerson also confirmed that he was not consulted about Jay’s appointment and was unaware that she was being considered to take over as Chair of the Inquiry. Emmerson was conscious of the concerns of SOSA and others about Jay’s suitability in the eyes of victims as we had previously outlined the fact that social services and social workers, were an integral part of the failings in regards to the abuse of children in the care of Lambeth Council and there were other organisations with similar concerns. The Home Office’s omission to consult Emmerson and core participants meant the collective views of many survivor groups were not considered.
To this end, we question why neither Emmerson nor core participant groups representing victims were consulted about Jay’s appointment?
-
SOSA represents many black members who are appalled by what is being perceived as ‘playing the race card retrospectively’. If there were defamatory comments about ethnic minorities made by Dame Lowell Goddard, why were these not mentioned or dealt with at the time? The comments purportedly made by Dame Lowell Goddard would amount to gross misconduct in the workplace yet she was allowed to continue as chair of the largest Inquiry in British history, for months. The fact that it is alleged that she made disparaging comments against black people which may have led to her demonstrating a level of bias against black victims was clearly not considered significant. Equally concerning is the leaking of information to people who are perceived as having a negative opinion of investigating historical child abuse claims.
SOSA would like to know why it has taken so long, for the purported defamatory comments about black people made by Dame Goddard, to come to the fore and what, if any, action the Home Office has taken to investigate this matter since it was made aware of the allegations in April 2016?
-
SOSA has raised the issue of Home Office involvement in the monitoring and supervision of Lambeth children’s homes over the period the historical child abuse occurred. We have raised this with the Inquiry over the last year and have received various assurances that we now know are not true. We raised the issue again by letter on 19th September 2016 and we were informed by letter on 22nd September 2016 that we would be getting a comprehensive answer. To date a response has not been forthcoming. We know that Chuku Umunna MP has asked the question and was told that the Home Office records do not go back as far as the 1950’s; this is in contradiction to Helen Hayes MP raising the same question and confirming that the Home Office did have liability in the early years from 1950 – 1970.
SOSA therefore ask the question again: What was the Home Office’s, involvement in the monitoring and supervision of Lambeth children’s homes over the period the historical abuse occurred?
We would like comprehensive answers to the questions raised in this letter, and our letter of 19th September 2016, to enable us to discuss our continued involvement in this Inquiry with our members.
Yours sincerely,
Raymond Stevenson
Chair, SOSA
OPEN LETTER TO TIM LOUGHTON MP (20.10.16)
JUSTICE : 7.11.16
Today we witnessed belated justice again in Lambeth for 2 former foster children who have waited most of their life for justice. Two incredible ladies who despite their trauma fought against evil. June Entecott formerly Hudson was sentenced to 4.5 years for child cruelty and covering up her husband John Hudson’s, sexual crimes in the 1970s on children in Lambeth and by the way he was a Police Officer in the Met.
JUNE ENTECOTT: GUILTY
DAILY MAIL: 7.11.16
Pensioner who covered up her police officer husband’s historic abuse of their two foster girls and whipped one with a dog lead is jailed for four-and-a-half years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18.11.16
SOSA PRESS STATEMENT
SHIRLEY OAKS SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION (SOSA) ARE FORMALLY PULLING OUT OF THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Our decision to pull out of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) should have come with regret but we are sad to say the only emotion we feel is relief. Now our members do not have to relive their worst nightmares in this stage-managed event which has now been contrived in such a way that it enables the guilty to wash their dirty hands, whilst the establishment pats itself on the back.
Having watched the IICSA unpalatable circus stumble and lurch from crisis to crisis with multiple resignations and claims of racial and sexual abuse thrown into the mix, it no longer matters whether we think the Inquiry is just another stitch up because it’s clearly a botch job that needs a drastic overhaul if it is ever to achieve its initial objectives.
We ask the Home Office’s handpicked panel members who have presided over this debacle for the last 6 months to resign for the sake of all those children who were abused historically. Your failure to manage the largest Inquiry this country has ever seen means we have been abused again, over and over.
Following the comment made by Ivor Frank at the Home Affairs Select Committee (18.10.16) we add, this is the perfect opportunity for you all to get on with your lives and avoid your reputations being stained in the blotted pages of history.
Prof. Alexis Jay
After the turmoil of losing 3 chairs we do not believe that Professor Alexis Jay is the right person to wrench open the Pandora’s Box of historical lies and cover-ups related to Shirley Oaks, Lambeth and the historical child abuse experienced by other survivor groups.
The fact that Professor Jay has not even bothered to meet us or contact us since her appointment only adds to our fear that she is an uninspiring leader who cannot reach out beyond her daisy chain circle of middle management cronies.
Nothing about this Inquiry is transparent apart from its failure to carry out its own remit and the unsubtle attempts under Home Office luvvie Professor Alexis Jay, to create a social work talk shop of seminars and thematic workshops which we believe will achieve nothing.
From the day the Inquiry was announced, we never believed there was any intention to allow the survivors of child sexual abuse or the public to glimpse into a window of this country’s darkest shame. Judging by what we have discovered in our own investigations, it’s not only the paedophiles the Inquiry is protecting but the Government’s historic cover ups.
The Home Office
In the past 6 months we have asked various questions of the Home Office about their liabilities, its answers have always been vague or evasive. Having acquired documents related to the Home Office and its inspections of Shirley Oaks Children’s Home, we now know what they are trying to hide. For any Inquiry to be truly independent and engender faith in its integrity, the Home Office either needs to come clean about its own role in covering up historic child abuse and staff the inquiry with independent employees instead of its secondees or handover the task of overseeing the Inquiry to a less tainted Government department.
We at SOSA are saddened. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse could have provided an opportunity for contemplation and learning across the UK as a whole. We are all aware that mistakes were made in the past but without learning, these mistakes will continue to be made in the future. The lives and future of many current and future care children could have been improved but instead, this opportunity lost will leave a pigment of shame on the Government’s hands.
Shirley Oaks Survivors Association
Ends
Notes to Editor
For more information on SOSA www.shirleyoakssurvivorsassociation.co.uk
To contact SOSA: Tel: 0207 701 9950 Mobile: 07956101387
BBC Jersey Piece. 5th May: Alan’s Archive Moves to the BFI
The BFI National Archive is pleased to announce that it has received the archives of pioneering investigative TV journalist, Alan Whicker, donated by Valerie Kleeman, Whicker’s World Foundation. The collection contains meticulous records of one of the most enduring and influential careers in British television history, spanning the late 1950s into the 21st century.
BBC Jersey, 5th May: Alan’s Archive Moves to the BFI
BAKE YOURSELF PROUD FOR SPORT RELIEF 2016
BAKE YOURSELF PROUD FOR SPORT RELIEF 2016
WITH A LIMITED EDITION ORLA KIELY APRON
Exclusively available to buy from HomeSense, TK Maxx stores,
tkmaxx.com and sportrelief.com
For those wanting to ‘sport’ a new look in the kitchen, designer Orla Kiely has created a limited edition apron for Sport Relief 2016. The apron will be presented each night to the winner of ‘The Great Sport Relief Bake Off’ and is available to buy exclusively from Sport Relief official partners: brands-for-less homeware retailer, HomeSense, TK Maxx stores, tkmaxx.com and sportrelief.com. The apron will retail at £12.99 and at least £5.25 going to Sport Relief.
There’s no doubt that baking has captured the imagination of the nation. And the apron is the perfect way to ‘rise to the occasion’ supporting a great cause whilst baking yourself proud in the kitchen.
Orla is passionate about bringing the spirit of Sport Relief into thousands of kitchens across the UK and the range features an iconic print with a Sport Relief twist. With two tea towels also available, they are the pear-fect excuse to get involved.
Hailed as the ‘queen of print’, Orla Kiely is world-renowned for her instinctive graphic discipline to simplify and stylise everyday motifs and forms. With clean, orderly repeat constructions and a boldness of scale, her work achieves strength with a very modern quality, while her love for all things mid-century creates charming, uplifting and instantly recognisable prints.
Sport Relief 2016, studio, Claudia Winkleman
Orla Kiely says: “I was delighted to be asked to design the range to support Sport Relief 2016 and hope the products will carry the Sport Relief message into tens of thousands of kitchens and help change countless lives. With the theme of kitchens and baking in mind, the range picks up on fruit with the Orla Kiely iconic pear print, encouraging everyone to be a sport and bake themselves proud.”
A spokesperson for HomeSense and TK Maxx added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Orla Kiely, who has created a gorgeous range in her immediately recognisable designs including an apron, and two tea towels. We’re looking forward to working with Sport Relief again and supporting the good work that Sport Relief does to help transform people’s lives in the UK where we have customers and stores and across the world’s poorest countries.”
Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £195million. Sport Relief 2016 will take place from 18th-20th March, bringing the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. The money raised from the apron will help people living incredibly tough lives. Half of the money raised by the public for Sport Relief is used to make a difference right here at home in the UK. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities.
Don’t miss out on your very own limited edition Orla Kiely apron from HomeSense,
TK Maxx stores, tkmaxx.com, sportrelief.com and help raise money for Sport Relief 2016
-Ends-
Media Information
The below high res images are available on request.
For further press information and interview requests please contact:
Siobhan Connor at Connor PR / 07966 177025 / Siobhan@connorpr.com
Join the conversation
Facebook – @myHomeSense
Twitter – @HomeSenseUK
Instagram – @HomeSenseUK
#raisesomedough
#SR16
#GBBOsportrelief
@sportrelief
Details and Prices:
All profits from the sale of the apron and the tea towels will be donated to Sport Relief to help transform the lives of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the UK and around the world.
Apron £12.99 with at least £5.25 going to Sport Relief
Apron featured on ‘The Great Sport Relief Bake Off’
Paul Hollywood says: “Every time you buy one of these aprons you will be helping to transform people’s lives in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries’. So come on, get down to HomeSense or TK Maxx to get yours. “
Tea towels at £4.99 each with £2.50 going to Sport Relief
About Sport Relief Sport Relief is back from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th March 2016 and there are more ways than ever for you to take part, change lives and feel proud. Whether you get sponsored to enter an event at the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games or fundraise with friends and family at home, work or school, you’ll help people living incredibly tough lives. In fact, half of all the money raised by the public is spent right here at home in the UK, with the other half used to make a difference in the world’s poorest communities. Find out more at sportrelief.com.
Since 2002, Sport Relief has raised over £195million. The money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives, both at home in the UK and across the world. Visit sportrelief.com to keep up with the latest news.
Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
About HomeSense
HomeSense launched in the UK in April 2008 and has 39 stores in the UK. HomeSense operates a unique ‘off-price’ concept, which offers quality and branded homeware for less than the recommended retail price. These savings are passed on to customers through a combination of opportunistic buying, established relationships with manufacturers and simple, no-frills operation. HomeSense is part of TJX Europe, a subsidiary of TJX Companies, Inc. Find your nearest store and loads more information at www.homesense.com
About TK Maxx
TK Maxx and HomeSense are the official Sport Relief sponsors for the fifth campaign running and have raised £17.7 million since 2005 through sales, customer donations and staff fundraising. TK Maxx is a designer brands-for-less retailer implementing a unique ‘off-price’ concept which originated in the US. It sells designer and high street brands of womenswear, menswear, homeware, gifts and accessories at up to 60% less than the recommended retail price (RRP). TK Maxx launched in the UK in 1994 and now has over 250 stores nationwide. Opportunistic buying and a no-frills operation means TK Maxx can pass huge savings on to the customer. A typical store has over 50,000 items in stock and receives 10,000 new pieces, styles and colours a week, which means stock is consistently fresh. TK Maxx is part of TJX Europe, the European subsidiary of the US group TJX Companies Inc. For more information see www.tkmaxx.com
Orla Kiely
The creative world of Orla Kiely was founded in 1995 to express visually, her love of pattern, colour, texture and rhythm, which as components all play and work together. Once hailed as the ‘queen of print,’ she is world renowned for her instinctive graphic discipline to simplify and stylise everyday motifs and forms. With clean, orderly repeat constructions and a boldness of scale, her work achieves strength with a very modern quality, while her love for all things mid century creates charming, uplifting and instantly recognisable prints.
From a small collection of accessories, commissioned exclusively by Harrods following her graduation from the Royal Academy of Art, the range has grown to include a complete ready-to-wear collection as well as homeware and stationery. Through key collaborations, Orla Kiely has launched a perfume, designed sold out shoe collections for Clarks – an ongoing partnership as well as publishing two books – ‘Pattern’ & ‘Home’ which celebrating both her prints and her love for interior design.
Globally, the brand is gaining momentum with key stockists in both fashion and home. Orla Kiely has a number of shops through the UK and has grown significantly with global reach in New York following the launch of her collaborations with Uniqlo and Target.
The Orla Kiely customer is creative, intelligent and stylish. She is not afraid to stand out and does it fashionably. The combination of luxurious fabric and attention to detail leads to a loyal following including Kate Middleton, Kirsten Dunst , Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung and Emma Watson.
She continues to work with fashion contemporaries, Leith Clark, Liz Goldwin and Venetia Scott.
Orla Kiely regularly presents at London Fashion Week and continues to surprise and impress, her presentations reaching cult status amongst fans and press alike.
Sport Relief 2016
Bakers, grab your aprons and help us #raisesomedough for Sport Relief! be sure to tune into
The Great British Sport Relief Bake Off this evening to see the fabulous Orla Kiely apron.. Now available at HomeSense & TK Maxx