Peace centre's Royal visitor

SOPHIE, Countess of Wessex, dropped in at Warrington’s international Peace Centre as part of a series of events to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the charity.
The Countess had been due to visit in January but had to cancel when her helicopter couldn’t take off due to severe weather conditions.
She was greeted by Colin and Wendy Parry, founders of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace which was established in memory of the two boys who lost their lives in the terrorist bombing in Warrington 21 years ago.
The centre provides the home for the Foundation for Peace and their partners the NSPCC who operate a service centre from the building.
The Countess was also welcomed by Alex Modder, NSPCC service centre manager and other members of the team and local community leaders.
She toured the building and heard about the Foundation’s work to prevent, resolve and respond to global violent conflict.
The Countess also met people who had been directly affected by terrorism and political violence and who form part of a programme called “Survivors for Peace” that assists in recovery and increases social participation to promote action so people can find their “normal lives.”
Wendy Parry, mother of Tim, and the person who first came up with the idea to build a centre said: “Colin and I are so proud of what has been achieved in the boys’ names and in trying to ensure that other families do not experience the loss we feel every single day.
“The Peace Centre is vital to our work and also in housing the Warrington Youth Club and the work of the NSPCC. It is a unique memorial and working building that helps make a difference to people’s lives every single day.”
Alex Modder, NSPCC service centre manager in Warrington, said: “We were delighted to welcome The Countess of Wessex, President of the NSPCC, to our Warrington centre and have the opportunity to talk about our work here.
“We’ve got a highly skilled and dedicated team in Warrington, delivering innovative services that bring help and support to children who may have suffered abuse and neglect and assist and support young people in building their resilience, empowering them to cope with future life changes and circumstances.
“We also offer support to parents and families to ensure that they are kept safe from harm. The services we provide mean that many children and families can face their futures with hope, so it was wonderful that we were able to share this with Her Royal Highness”