John McCarthy CBE joins Hostage International as first patron

We are delighted to announce that former hostage John McCarthy CBE has joined Hostage International as our first patron.  

 

John has supported many of the charity’s events, so was asked by our co-founder and president, Terry Waite CBE, to be more formally involved to help highlight the work of the charity.  

 

Terry explained: “John and I go back a long way, in fact when I was captured in Lebanon I had been there in an attempt to negotiate for his release and that of other hostages. However, as we all know, things didn’t go to plan and we each spent many years in captivity. 

 

“We’ve kept in touch ever since, and John has recently supported our very niche but essential cause, so it felt opportune to ask him to join us.” 

 

Due to the complex and usually confidential nature of the work of Hostage International, the charity has tended to steer away from publicity, but recently has been taking steps to raise awareness in the hope that more people in need may know where to find us, and in turn others may be moved to give or sign up for our specialist family support training.  

 

John said: “It’s a privilege to have been asked by Terry to join the Hostage International team as the first patron for the organisation. As many people know, back in the late 1980s, Terry and I were held captive together in Beirut, and as such Hostage International is a cause extremely close to my heart.  

 

“Following years of captivity, I learned of the ordeal faced by my loved ones waiting at home, so I do appreciate the difficulties and trauma that both hostages and their families face and see the real need for the niche expertise and bespoke support that Hostage International can offer.  

 

“This charity makes a genuine difference to many families and former hostages and I hope to be able to contribute and help highlight its important work.” 

 

Please keep up to date with the work of the charity, and any upcoming events, by signing up to our newsletter here.   

 

Picture ©Stephanie Belton

Former hostages at a Hostage International event in 2019.

Left to right: Ingrid Betancourt, Colin Freeman, Terry Waite CBE, John McCarthy CBE, Judith Tebbutt