Sir Terry Waite CBE calls on local community to send messages of hope
A British engineer named Robert has been trapped in Iraq for several years following what has been described as corrupt legal proceedings, and now the people of Warrington have an opportunity to offer him messages of support during this difficult time.
Robert, who travelled to Iraq to resolve a business dispute with his company, found himself caught in a nightmare situation. Instead of resolving the matter, he was subjected to questionable legal proceedings that resulted in four years of imprisonment. Although he has since been released from prison, Robert remains unable to leave the country and continues to live in isolation under extremely difficult circumstances.
The ordeal has taken a devastating toll. Robert has been declared bankrupt, and his wife has been forced to sell their family home and car simply to send him enough money to survive. He lives alone, far from his loved ones, with no clear end to his captivity in sight.
Sir Terry Waite’s Involvement
Sir Terry Waite CBE, who himself endured 1,763 days as a hostage in Lebanon, has taken a personal interest in Robert’s plight. Terry speaks with Robert daily, working tirelessly to keep his morale up during this incredibly challenging period. Remarkably, as of this week, Robert is just 18 days away from matching the length of Sir Terry’s own time in captivity.
Drawing on his own experience of isolation and captivity, Sir Terry understands better than most what Robert is going through, and he has already sent a moving message of support to the young engineer.
How You Can Help
Now, Sir Terry and our community are asking others to join in sending messages of hope and solidarity to Robert as we approach Christmas and the New Year—a time when being separated from loved ones is particularly painful.
If you would like to send a message of support to Robert, please email your message to secretarywmvc@hotmail.co.uk and we will ensure it reaches him.
Sir Terry has suggested that messages might follow a thoughtful and uplifting tone, such as: “We’ve heard of your sad situation in Iraq and want to assure you that we are all thinking of you and your family over this Christmas and New Year period. We sincerely hope you will be released very quickly.”
However, please use your own words to make your message personal and genuine. The key is to be positive, upbeat, and to let Robert know that he is in our thoughts.
A Message of Hope
As a community, we have the power to remind Robert that even in his darkest moments, he is not forgotten. Your words of encouragement could provide a vital lifeline of hope to someone who desperately needs to know that people care.
Please take a few moments to send your message today. Together, we can help keep Robert’s spirits up and show him that he has support from across the UK as he continues to fight for his freedom.
To send your message of support, email: secretarywmvc@hotmail.co.uk