Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett backs The Independent’s SafeCall campaign with major donation
Thanks to Sir Thomas Hughes-Halett, one of Britain’s greatest philanthropists. Independent He received significant donations to his SafeCall campaign.
A prominent figure in the charity sector, Sir Thomas previously helped raise £130 million a year as chief executive of Marie Curie and currently serves as the end-of-life charity’s vice-chairman for life.
He is also the co-founder of the London School of Economics’ Marshall Institute for Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship and an ambassador for the UK charity Helpforce.
He said: “This Christmas I’ve decided to support the amazing charity Missing People and Independent Trying to help the 70,000 children who go missing in the UK at any one time.
“I spent 12 years of my life running Marie Curie and seven years as chairman of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
“I have witnessed pain and separation at Christmas time in both organizations. It is so difficult to even understand the loneliness of a missing person and the despair felt by their families and friends during this wet and cold time of year.”
SafeCall will fund a new service aimed at reaching the 70,000 children reported missing in the UK each year. Sir Keir Starmer and Sir David Beckham also backed the campaign.
donate Here or text SAFE to 70577 to donate £10 to Missing People, enough for one child to get help.
Sir Thomas was knighted in 2012 for his services to philanthropy and received a Beacon Scholarship in Philanthropic Advocacy the following year.
His career has been defined by his longstanding commitment to healthcare, philanthropy, and improving the lives of others. She joined Marie Curie in 2000 and by the time she left her role as chief executive in 2012, the charity was supporting around 10,000 more patients and families through its nursing services than when she started.
Continuing his work in healthcare, Sir Thomas chaired the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from 2014 to 2021. He founded Helpforce UK in 2017 after being shocked to learn how few people volunteered to support patients and staff. The charity currently works with hundreds of healthcare organizations across the country to establish and expand volunteer services.
He also co-founded the Marshall Institute at the London School of Economics, which aims to increase the impact of private actions for the public good.
Sir Thomas is also closely associated with the John Innes Center (JIC), a UK-based independent research institute focusing on plant science, genetics and microbiology. The Norwich-based center is internationally recognized for its work on food safety, sustainable agriculture and microbial science.
Generous donation comes later Independent By donating £100,000 last week, it took a significant step towards creating a vital lifeline for lost and vulnerable children through its SafeCall campaign.
Sir Thomas added: “We must all do what we can to get behind and support those affected – so many people must be scared and worried.
“Don’t wait for a new policy. Don’t wait for someone else to step in. If you can afford it, give from your heart and wallet. It is a privilege for me to be able to make a meaningful donation to this year’s policy.” Independent Christmas Call.”
Please donate now To the Independent and Missing Persons’ Safe Call campaign, which aims to raise £165,000 to create a free, nationwide service to help vulnerable children find safety and support.
If you or a loved one is lost, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000 for advice, support and options. It’s free, confidential and non-judgmental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help
