Rachel Wardell – first person on the Fourth Plinth – makes stands against child cruelty

Rachel Wardell today (06 July) made history as the first official person to stand on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, for an hour as part of Antony Gormley’s One & Other exhibition.

Rachel spent her time on the Plinth holding a giant green lollipop to raise awareness of the work of the NSPCC Helpline and ChildLine.

Rachel from Lincolnshire says: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wanted to spend my hour on the plinth doing something for children. As a mother to two young children, I find it hard that anyone can be cruel to a child.

“Standing on the plinth was a truly moving experience. I wanted to get a message out to adults – parents, friends, neighbours, everyone – that you must speak out and protect those children that can’t by calling the NSPCC Helpline. I wanted to say to children and young people, if you feel there’s no one you can turn to, call ChildLine, they will listen to you.

“There are so many children out there suffering terrible abuse in silence. We must all do what we can to end this cruelty. I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received for my one small step. It just shows, it doesn’t matter who you are, you can always make a difference.”

NSPCC Chief Executive, Andrew Flanagan said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Rachel for supporting the NSPCC Helpline and ChildLine.

“Last year alone, 69 children died from abuse or neglect in this country. The NSPCC Helpline and ChildLine operate 24 hours a day. Whether you are an adult or a child, you can call us. We will listen to you and we can offer help and advice.”

Members of the public can continue to support Rachel by posting messages of support on the NSPCC’s Facebook (1) and Twitter (2) profiles.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children or young person with worries or concerns can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111.

The NSPCC is running a three-year Child’s Voice Appeal to raise £50 million to maintain and grow the NSPCC’s helplines, text and online counselling services.

One & Other is commissioned by the Mayor of London in partnership with Sky Arts. Watch all the action live from the plinth every Friday at 7pm on Sky Arts 1/HD and online at www.oneandother.co.uk

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Media office 020 7825 2514 Out of hours 07976 206 625

Notes to Editor
(1) www.facebook.com/nspcc
(2) www.twitter.com/thenspcc

About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. The NSPCC helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.

About the Child’s Voice Appeal
The government has pledged £30m over four years towards the expansion of ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, but the NSPCC needs the support of the public to raise a further £50m through the Child’s Voice Appeal, to make its vision to answer many more cries for help a reality. Everyone can support the Child’s Voice Appeal at www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk