Date: 11 May 2022
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s former special envoy to Lebanon, Terry Waite CBE was in the diocese recently recalling his five years in captivity.
Mr Waite travelled to Lebanon in the 1980’s to try and secure the release of four hostages, including the journalist, John McCarthy. Sadly, he was kidnapped himself and was held hostage from 1987 to 1991.
170 people gathered at St Martin’s church, East Horsley to listen to Terry speak during an evening of ‘Words and Music’.??
Thirty years on, he spoke about his ordeal and read extracts from his books. The evening included piano pieces performed by Matthew Rickard, a well-known musician from the diocese.??
The Rector of St Martin’s, the Revd Renos Pittarides said, “Terry was a humble and inspirational man, and it was a joy to welcome him to our church.? It was an evening which will live in the memories of all of us who were privileged to be there.”?
The evening raised over £2,000 for Hostage International and Emmaus UK.? Terry is a Patron of both charities.