Having first been introduced to our work through a UN doctor, Ross Stirling, a Grammy nominated award winning Creative Director quickly became passionate about using his expertise and passion for adventure to embark on a multitude of ambitious fundraising campaigns – most recently embarking on the '12 peaks of Christmas' challenge he created with friend Ed Jackson, climbing 12 of the highest peaks in the UK in six days, all whilst carrying a Christmas tree on his back.
In the midst of lockdown Ross created the campaign Peace Band for War Child that saw over 400 people collectively run virtually around the globe in the name of peace and to support children living in war zones across the world. In its first year the campaign raised over £120,000 and we are delighted that Peace Band has become a firm favourite on our fundraising calendar, coming back for its 3rd year in 2023.
We have also been fortunate enough to have Ross use his creativity on a multitude of projects, with Ross designing the brand identity and merchandise range for War Child Records, an independent label set up to harness the power of recorded music to change the lives of children affected by conflict. He also has hosted a number of events in aid of our work, including The Winter Gala in 2017. This event was headlined by long-standing War Chid ambassador Marcus Mumford and his band Mumford & Sons alongside Bear’s Den and Tom Grennan.
We are so grateful to Ross’ commitment to help children affected by conflict. As a result of his determination, he has personally raised, and enabled War Child to raise, an incredible £470,000 and counting. It is only thanks to our special friends, like Ross, that we are able to do the vital work required to support some of the 200 million children globally affected by conflict.
“Ross has been a big part of our lives for many years already and we are delighted to see him taking on this Ambassador role. His energy and creativity add to our ambitious about what we can achieve for children. His commitment and dedication help us to achieve those ambitions. I am proud to say that we will have Ross alongside us as an Ambassador” Rob Williams, CEO War Child UK.
Of his new role as creative ambassador with War Child, Ross said: “Over the years the team at War Child have certainly put their faith in my unconventional and, quite frankly, sometimes ridiculous ideas. So far it has been an adventure in itself – taking me across the globe, from mountaintops to the middle of the ocean, all to spread awareness and raise funds for children in conflict. Now it gives me great pleasure to continue this adventure – breaking more conventions in the charity sector, bringing War Child’s work to more people than ever, and ultimately working towards a greater goal of removing children from conflict altogether.”
