Hostage International chair retires after more than 20 years as a volunteer

After 20 years of volunteering with Hostage International, our chair of trustees, Phil Bigley OBE stepped down from the board in December 2025.

Phil’s initial introduction to co-founder Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE arose out of a family tragedy when his brother, Ken, was kidnapped and murdered in Iraq.

“Nothing can prepare you for that, but Terry coming to meet my mother and our family was a huge comfort during this very surreal and difficult time.”

Following the initial visit, Phil and Sir Terry stayed in touch and it was Phil’s personal experience that, in time, led to his work in supporting Sir Terry and co-founder Carlo Laurenzi OBE and a small group of individuals in setting up the charity.

Phil found their meetings cathartic, “I felt I had found a safe space to talk about what had happened and knowing it was private and confidential was hugely important.

“One month rolled into another, then one year into another, and I’ve maybe served as a trustee for too long, but I always wanted to be here to make sure that the charity would survive and become sustainable,” Phil said.

“Under the current board, and leadership of our CEO Lara Symons, I am confident that – despite the very difficult economic landscape for charities – Hostage International will continue to grow and develop and will always stay close to its mission and core values.”

Phil has juggled his voluntary work with Hostage International, and two other local charities in Suffolk, alongside his career but said that his charity work has always been extremely important.

For Hostage International Phil has not only been a trustee, but also a caseworker to support other family members or former hostages as they have had to deal with the complexities of a kidnapping or hostage situation.

He said: “The brutal murder of a family member undoubtedly changes a person, their perspective on life and their priorities thereafter. For me, my ‘paid work’, whilst necessary, became less important. There is a need to do something meaningful and to give back to others and to society as a whole.”

Throughout his voluntary work with Hostage International, Phil and Sir Terry have remained firm friends and offered mutual support.

Sir Terry said: “I first met Phil and his family in 2004 and from that time onwards we kept in regular contact and Phil became one of my dearest friends.

“At the time, the charity was in its early stages and Phil gave considerable assistance during those formative years and eventually became chair of the board of trustees.

“Over the years his help has proved to be invaluable. His own experience of suffering the death of his brother and his understanding of the suffering such an event caused his family, (his mother in particular), enabled him to be a wise and experienced caseworker for many.

“Phil’s open, friendly disposition made him an ideal candidate to be the chair and he was able to steer the charity forward.

“Hostage International owes a great debt of gratitude to Phil and also to other members of the board who have recently retired. They have ensured that the charity has firm foundations and have set an inspiring example to those who would follow them.”

Lara Symons, Hostage International CEO, said: “We will miss Phil. Throughout his time on the board he has always been a huge support for me and the executive team.

“His warmth and compassion have been a comfort to us but more importantly for the many individuals he assisted as a volunteer caseworker throughout these many years.

“We know Phil will stay in touch and wish him all the best in his retirement”

Hostage International also wishes to express our gratitude to former board members Peter Rudge, Stephen Regel and Mike Millward who have each retired from the board of trustees in this past year.

Don McGown, who joined the board of trustees in March 2025, will take up the role of chair for Hostage International. For more information on our trustees go to About Us.

December 2025