In London in the 90's I started working with Children in Crisis, and other charities, on a freelance basis. I was travelling extensively in those days, visiting my sister in Africa where she was working as a war journalist in Rwanda and Somalia, and throughout Europe.  As I delved deeply into the shocking reality of war and suffering, my whole life changed, I found I could not forget all that I'd seen, and all the inspiring people I'd met along the way. These rich experiences have been defining in my life, and in my awareness of the world.

For Children in Crisis, I developed new projects as a special project manager, I drove medical aid out to camps in Croatia and Bosnia in an armoured car, helped organise airlifts of urgent supplies to Sarajevo, and collaborated with many talented people working to make a difference to that terrible war. 

One project that wasn't rooted in war, was when I led a team of deprived London kids on an international journey to deliver supplies, solidarity, and messages of love and support to a community of ill children in Poland, at the Mountain Haven Centre there.  The Polish children had terminal cancer and were isolated at this special facility.  I was privileged to lead the team of British children in their fundraising, sponsorship and even navigation, to drive in a LandRover sponsored convoy from London to the door of the clinic in Poland.  Few moments have been more moving in my life than seeing the transformative power of the experience of giving and showing love, from one group of children to another.  Both sets of children, and all the adults on the trip, were deeply affected by the trip.