After emerging from the reality show The Traitors, a popular series that garnered significant attention and a dedicated fanbase, I was approached by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) to collaborate with them. Their talent team recognized my extensive background in education and thought I would be an excellent fit as a campaigner for the charity. This opportunity not only aligned perfectly with my professional experiences but also tugged at my heartstrings, as I immersed myself in a cause that resonates with my lifelong commitment to safeguarding children.
For three decades, I dedicated my career to working with some of the most traumatized children in the UK. In my role as head of school welfare at a specialized institution, I encountered young people who faced myriad challenges, including social, emotional, and mental health issues. Their experiences were often heartbreaking, leading them to seek education in an environment tailored to meet their complex needs—needs that mainstream schools frequently struggled to address. The journey was incredibly challenging, filled with moments of joy and despair as I witnessed the resilience of these children amidst their traumas.
Throughout my tenure, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that trauma can have on a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Many of the students who came to my school had histories of abuse or neglect, and their emotional scars sometimes manifested in behavioral challenges or difficulties in forming trusting relationships. It was my responsibility to ensure that these children felt safe and supported, creating an environment where they could begin to heal and focus on their education. The urgency and necessity of safeguarding children became more apparent over the years, reinforcing my belief that organizations like the NSPCC play a vital role in society.
My involvement with the NSPCC offered me a platform to continue that mission on a broader scale. Visiting the charity’s headquarters in London was a profound experience. During my visit, I had the privilege of observing the incredible work being done at Childline, a service that provides counseling and support to children. The staff at Childline take hundreds of calls daily from vulnerable young people seeking help, reflecting the pressing need for such services in our society. Despite being one of the largest charities in the UK, it became painfully clear to me that the NSPCC heavily relies on public donations to sustain its critical work.
I was surprised to learn that some individuals mistakenly believe that because the NSPCC is a large organization, it does not require ongoing community support. However, the reality is quite the opposite; the child protection crisis in the UK remains significant, and the NSPCC depends on the generosity of the public to fund its wide array of services. This misunderstanding motivated me to engage more actively with the charity, leading me to take on the challenge of trekking to Machu Picchu. I thought that if I could raise six or seven hundred pounds for the NSPCC, it could contribute to covering hundreds of contacts to Childline. This seemed like a meaningful way to combine my passion for fitness and adventure with a cause that deeply mattered to me.
The journey to Machu Picchu was nothing short of life-changing. Over ten days, I trekked the Ancascocha Trail, a breathtaking route that culminated at the ancient Lost City of the Incas in Peru. The experience was surreal, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, raging rivers, and breathtaking vistas, all while reaching altitudes of 4,550 meters. The trek was physically grueling, pushing me to my limits and testing my endurance like never before. As I navigated the rugged terrain, I found myself laughing, crying, and reflecting on my commitment to the NSPCC and the children it serves.
Completing the Machu Picchu challenge was challenging, but it offered a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience—something I have witnessed countless times in the children I have worked with. Each step of the journey served as a metaphor for the hurdles many young people face daily. They may struggle to climb the mountain of their circumstances, but with support and encouragement, they can achieve incredible things. The donations raised through this trek added to my sense of purpose, knowing that I was contributing to the welfare of vulnerable children in the UK.
My commitment to child safeguarding went beyond trekking; I also had the chance to engage with the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign. My extensive experience in both education and sports allows me to recognize the critical need for safeguarding in these environments. Speaking at the campaign event was a profound opportunity to convey the importance of creating safe and nurturing spaces for children engaged in sports. It was disheartening to witness how insufficient knowledge exists among parents and guardians about safeguarding practices within educational and athletic settings.
I conveyed my belief that parents should never hesitate to ask difficult questions regarding their child’s safety, regardless of the level of the club or organization they belong to. Safe practices must be front and center, with clear accountability mechanisms in place to protect children from any form of abuse or neglect. Empowering parents with knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children is paramount. The more informed parents are about safeguarding principles, the more effectively they can demand transparency from coaches and organizations. It’s about fostering an environment where child welfare takes precedence over everything else.
Through my involvement with the NSPCC, I’ve come to realize that we must continue to raise awareness about the charity and its essential work. Events like Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport are critical not just for sharing vital information, but also for inspiring community engagement and participation. It’s inspiring to see corporate partners like Newsquest stepping up to support these initiatives, broadening the audience for fundraising efforts and amplifying the message about child protection.
Looking ahead, my journey with the NSPCC is far from over. I am committed to continuing my support for the charity and engaging in initiatives that promote safeguarding and well-being for children. There are exciting plans on the horizon for next year that will involve education and awareness around child welfare. While precise details are still under wraps, I am eager to contribute to projects that will empower communities and foster a greater understanding of the importance of child protection.
In closing, the journey I’ve taken since my time on The Traitors has brought me full circle, reconnecting me with the roots of my passion for education, safeguarding, and supporting those who need it most. The NSPCC plays an essential role in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable children, and I am honored to use my platform to advocate for this vital cause. I invite everyone to join in this mission, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply by educating themselves on child safeguarding. Together, we can create a safer and brighter future for all children. If you’re interested in supporting the NSPCC, you can find more information on how to get involved, either through fundraising efforts, volunteering, or participating in challenges, at www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us. For those feeling uncertain about a child’s safety, remember to reach out to the NSPCC Helpline at 0808 8005000 or email [email protected]. Every action counts, and together, we can make a difference.