Are you ready for a challenge?

In 2004 our charity was founded in a bid to support the families of hostages, and hostages after they return.

As such, 20 years on, this September we are holding a virtual challenge to help raise funds and mark our anniversary.

Our co-founder and President, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, is encouraging everyone to participate in this challenge, saying: “Unfortunately as the world seems to be unstable, the need for our work is as essential as ever and we need your help!

“We set up the charity, initially to support UK families and former hostages who were affected by hostage-taking, but – in response to genuine need – we have grown to become an international charity.”

Hostage UK was created in 2004 before becoming Hostage International in 2018 to better reflect the global nature of our work in supporting those affected by hostage situations outside their country of residence.

Sir Terry added: “Throughout these past 20 years, we have seen families torn apart by a range of dreadful and despicable hostage situations, but against this backdrop we have brought comfort and practical support to those affected through our professional and dedicated team.”

Since founding, the charity has helped more than 500 individuals affected by kidnap and arbitrary detention. It has also touched the lives of many more through its training and expertise offered to other groups and organisations dealing with the complexities of supporting people through such extreme crises.

Carlo Laurenzi OBE, who co-founded the charity with Sir Terry, said: “While we would love for there to be no need for Hostage International, today we are living in a world where more people need our services.

“We are aware that any need for our work is no cause for anniversary celebrations, but I would like to pay tribute to all those who have supported the charity – in whatever guise – throughout these past 20 years.

“Each and every one has played a part in many families and former hostages going on to live more constructive and contented lives.”

Carlo added: “As a niche charity is not easy to fundraise so we are calling on you to help by joining in this virtual challenge – wherever you may be in the world – as an individual or a team.”

The virtual event will run from Friday 20 September to Monday 30 September 2024. For all participants, we will be hosting an exclusive online Q&A with Sir Terry and Carlo on Monday 23 September 2024 at 18:00 UK time.

Please sign up here and share this link: https://hostageinternational.enthuse.com/cf/20for20-challenge-for-all

Sir Terry and Carlo are pictured here at our event at the Old Bailey in March 2024. 

Dave Muller, former hostage and author of Not Child’s Play, is supporting the challenge with his family team.

He said: “My family and I were taken hostage in Mozambique back in 1990 – before there was a charity like Hostage International.

“Becoming a hostage changes one, as well as those who love and care about you. We managed to overcome the challenges, but it would have been so much easier had there been an organisation such as Hostage International at the time.

“Even 34 years after the event it has been comforting to chat with the folk at Hostage International and feel an understanding for what we had experienced.

“Whether walking, running, cycling or swimming, the freedom to move unhindered is something that can be taken away from you.

“The 20for20:Challenge For All celebrates freedom, and for those of us who have survived being a hostage, the prospect for recovery.

“Please join or support the challenge and help raise awareness and funds so that more people can be supported.”

Sign up: 20for20:ChallengeForAll

August 2024