WARRINGTON was honoured to welcome Sir Terry Waite KCMG, CBE, Patron of the Warrington Male Voice Choir, during a special Christmas visit to the town’s Parr Hall, where he delivered a powerful message of hope, compassion, and solidarity.
Sir Terry attended the Christmas Voices Christmas Brass Concert at Parr Hall, featuring the Warrington Male Voice Choir and Leyland Band. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain, who serves as President of the Warrington Male Voice Choir, alongside members of the local community.
During the evening, Sir Terry spoke movingly about Robert Pether, a British engineer who has been held in Iraq under tragic and unjust circumstances. Mr Pether travelled to Iraq to resolve a work-related dispute but became the victim of corrupt legal proceedings. Although released after four years in prison, he remains unable to leave the country. His passport has been confiscated, he has been made bankrupt, his health has deteriorated, and he now lives alone, separated from his family.
This Christmas, Mr Pether will spend the festive period in isolation. To date, he has been held captive for 1,749 days, and in just 15 days, his captivity will exceed even the length of Sir Terry Waite’s own imprisonment of 1,763 days. Drawing from his own experience, Sir Terry continues to offer Mr Pether support, encouragement, and hope.
Following the visit, Cllr Mo Hussain called on the people of Warrington to show their compassion by sending messages of hope and solidarity to Mr Pether.
Speaking after the concert, Cllr Hussain said: “Sir Terry Waite’s visit was deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. Warrington is a town known for its kindness and community values, and I am asking residents to take a moment this Christmas to let Robert know he has not been forgotten.”
Members of the public are invited to send short messages of goodwill, encouragement, and support, which will be coordinated by the Warrington Male Voice Choir and passed on to Robert Pether via Sir Terry Waite.
📧 Messages can be sent to:
[email protected]
The visit highlighted Warrington’s strong sense of community and its willingness to stand alongside those facing injustice, particularly during the Christmas season.
