Chancellor visits Peace Centre

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CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer George Osborne visited Warrington to meet founders of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre and talk with people receiving assistance as part of the Foundation for Peace’s “Survivors for Peace” project.
The Tatton MP was joined by Warrington South MP David Mowat – a patron of the foundation – and Sajjad Kartin, a North West Conservative MEP.
The visit came in the wake of the Spring budget statement in which the Chancellor announced a year’s funding to the charity of £150,000 and the completion of a grant agreement with the Government’s Office of Civil Society to deliver a 12 month “Survivors” project.
Mr Osborne confirmed his personal commitment to find a sustainable funding solution to ensure that the Foundation’s unique project assisting victims, survivors and those affected by terrorism, continues.
Colin and Wendy Parry established the Foundation in memory of their 12-year-old son Tim and three-year-old Johnathan Ball, who were killed in an IRA attack on Warrington 21 years ago.
Mr Parry thanked the Chancellor for his personal intervention and unprecedented budget statement, which, he said, was a welcome boost for people who work with the Foundation.
“We are delighted that he has taken his time to spend time at the centre to find out what that support means to the people we assist and that he has given his support to find a lasting solution to ensure our victims and survivors work continues over the long-term.”
Sajjad ‘Saj’ Karim has taken a close interest in the development of the Foundation’s work which includes a large element of work funded by the European Union and representative roles on behalf of the UK on EU bodies.
He was a survivor himself when he was caught up in the Mumbai attacks in the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel in 2008.
During the visit the Chancellor met with people affected by terrorism, political violence and war including a veteran of the Aden conflict in the 1960s, the teenage son and wife of a man killed by Al-Qaeda in Algeria last year, a refugee from the Yemen living in the North West, a first responder to a bomb explosion, the sister of a soldier killed by the IRA and an RAF veteran.
He also learned about the Foundation’s work in the prevention, resolution and response to violent conflict. The visit finished with a tour of the Peace Centre.

Picture shows Mr Osborne being welcomed by Colin and Wendy Parry with (L-R) Chief Executive Nick Taylor, Warrington South MP David Mowat and MEP Sajjad Kartin


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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