EveryChild
4 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London
EC2A 3DR
T +44 (0)20 7749 2468
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Elaine Paige
In February 2003, singer and actress Elaine Paige visited Peru to meet Nick Lopez, the boy she has sponsored though EveryChild for the last ten years.
"I didn't know what to expect and I couldn't be sure how I'd react. I was aware of this huge well of emotion but I was determined not to break down - not so much for me, but because I didn't want to embarrass Nick."
On arrival in Nueva Esperanza, a town just above Lima, Elaine was shocked at the living conditions of most families. Many homes are little more than poorly constructed shacks, with no running water or sanitation. Despite Nick's family's humble surroundings, the warm welcome Elaine received was very moving.
"It was overwhelming and wonderful."
Elaine spoke fondly of her trip and her experiences in Peru:
"It was the best decision I ever made. It's a trip I will never, ever forget. The whole experience was truly humbling. These people have nothing and yet they're so generous… It makes you realise how lucky you are and what an extraordinarily privileged life we lead in the West.
Sometimes you look at the size of the problem and feel defeated. Then you look at the work of EveryChild and realise that, piece by piece, you can help to make a difference."