I have been very involved with the NSPCC for several years. I was asked to take on the role of Chairman of the Regions for the Full Stop to cruelty campaign. It is a national role that  has involved me leading the effort to raise £50 million for the cause. Just recently the great news came through that we had done more than £55 million. I am so grateful to all the amazing people who gave so generously and to the truly phenomenal team of voluteers and fundraisers that did all the work. So many people were involved in this achievement for children - and I have had the priviledge to spend time with them and work with them.  

As  part of my role I also sit on the National Appeal Board - tasked with raising £250 million by December 2006. Working together towards our final push I think the board will be able to present some good news when we finally announce how we did.

Over the years - my conviction that we have to do something to make this country a place where all children are loved, nurtured and allowed to flourish has become stronger and stronger. I get to see and hear about stuff that is incomprehensible, horrifying and gut wrenchingly awful. I also get to see the difference that the NSPCC's determination and money can make to the lives of children. So every drop of effort - long journeys, late nights, meetings, nerve wracking speeches, steeling myself to ask people for money has been worth it. All of it.  Bloody Marvellous.