UNICEF UK Ambassador Bill Deedes sadly died on 17 August 2007 at the age of 94. Lord Deedes was a uniquely effective and beloved Ambassador for nine years.

Lord Deedes - a distinguished journalist, former editor of the Daily Telegraph, minister in Harold Macmillan’s cabinet, the Bill of Private Eye’s ‘Dear Bill’ and the model for Evelyn Waugh’s war correspondent in Scoop - became a UNICEF UK Ambassador in November 1998.

UNICEF visits

In 1999, Lord Deedes went to Kosovo and Macedonia to report on the situation of refugee children. The following year a trip to Sudan led him to write an article in the Daily Telegraph about the war and ensuing suffering, displacement, death and abduction into slavery of innocent civilians.

He also visited projects in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco where UNICEF are working to foster village life by installing water points and opening small schools and most recently reported on the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan.

His powerfully recounted stories of his travels and experiences at numerous receptions and events championing children’s rights and winning support for UNICEF’s work.

Weekenders

Lord Deedes also contributed to the ‘Weekenders’ book series including the award winning ”Weekenders-Travels in the Heart of Africa” and “Weekenders-Adventures in Calcutta”, both of which have raised funds for UNICEF’s work with children.

“The children of the world and UNICEF have lost a true friend in Bill,” said UNICEF UK Deputy Executive Director Anita Tiessen. “Bill exemplified the idea that one person can make a world of difference by making the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children matter to people here in the UK. He will be greatly missed.”

A tribute

Please read UNICEF UK Ambassador Andrew O’Hagan’s tribute to Lord Deedes.