University News Last updated 28 January 2013
Leading child protection expert and TV presenter Mark Williams-Thomas is backing a charity event being run by Birmingham City University to raise funds for national children’s charity, the NSPCC.
Graduate Mark, began his career in the police service specialising in child protection and major crime. Last year he presented an ITV investigation into allegations that the television icon Jimmy Savile sexually abused vulnerable teenage girls.
His programme resulted in a criminal investigation being launched and over 300 people making allegations of abuse. Mark is supporting the University’s ‘Brains of BCU’ quiz, taking place at the University’s City North Campus in Perry Barr on Thursday 31st January.
Mark said: “Since the public became aware of my documentary and exposure of Jimmy Savile many things have happened. A police investigation has now concluded that he was a predatory paedophile who targeted children as young as eight years old. But most importantly it has given many victims of child sexual abuse confidence to speak about the abuse they have suffered or are suffering.”
Quiz to raise money for the NSPCC
Now, Mark is lending his support to the ‘Brains of BCU’ initiative, which will see staff and students battle it out in a fun quiz, increasing understanding of child protection issues and raising money for the NSPCC.
“The work of the NSPCC in providing a 24-hour helpline to take calls from people either directly related to abuse by Savile, or to report abuse because of the significant media attention created by the Savile expose has been vital. This partnership with the police has given victims a voice and confidence that action will be taken against living offenders,” said Mark.
Deborah Chandos-Hall, NSPCC Head of Midlands Fundraising, said: “Since Mark’s incredible work to expose the Savile scandal, we have seen a surge in contacts to our helpline about child abuse, both past and present, with many victims speaking out for the first time. Last year (1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012) 44 calls to our helpline from Birmingham and Solihull about sexual abuse were so serious, they had to be referred on to other agencies like social services or the police to keep the child safe.
“Funds raised by the ‘Brains of BCU’ event help support the NSPCC to deliver its vital services to the most vulnerable children and young people, right here in Birmingham. Our Service Centre in the heart of the City works to prevent sexual abuse, tackle neglect, support children in care and give the right help to at-risk children from some minority ethnic communities. Money will also support our ChildLine base in Birmingham, which is a lifeline for children and young people in danger and distress, as well the NSPCC helpline for adults with concerns about a child.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team at Birmingham City University and Mark for supporting the NSPCC through the ‘Brains of BCU event’. I hope everyone has a fantastic night and I look forward to hearing who is crowned the brainiest!”
University students, graduates and staff will be battling it out in the quiz. You can help support the fundraising by donating on the JustGiving page.