azalea patrons.
We are delighted to have two exceptional patrons of Azalea: Elaine Storkey and Russell Beard. Elaine brings an unmatched global perspective and champions causes all over the world, and Russell is passionate about local solutions to local problems as he delivers his services as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire. Both wholeheartedly endorse Azalea and we are thrilled that they are with us as we seek to see all walk free from sex trafficking.
Read on to find out more about them.
Elaine is an English philosopher, sociologist, and theologian, known for her inspirational lecturing, writing and broadcasting. Elaine is an expert in the area of violence against women and girls on an international scale and has been a voice for those trapped in sex trafficking for decades. She reports and advocates based on her experiences of different countries, cultures and the people that she meets who share their stories with her. Her work is evidence based and renowned around the world.
Elaine has a website which you can check out to find her articles, broadcastings and videos: https://www.elainestorkey.com/ and you can purchase her latest book 'Meeting God in Matthew' here: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/meeting-god-in-matthew
We asked Elaine, why become a patron of Azalea?
“Because I believe God loves women and wants them to flourish and be all that they were meant to be. Free from abuse, freed from the sins of other people and for decades this has been a distant hope because of the life they lead and the lack of freedoms they enjoy. Having experienced many conversations with women who have been involved in prostitution, I realised at least 30 years ago that their lifestyle was any thing but a choice. But something they were driven into by other circumstances in their life. So I have always regretted when the church has held the view that women involved in prostitution are immoral women and not understood their background and the requirement to be a bridge to God. Thrilled that Azalea recognises this - theologically, academically and in practice. What a privilege to be counted among you.”
A local champion of many worthy causes, we are delighted to have Russell’s support and advocacy. In his own words, this is why he is part of the Azalea movement.
“I have the honour to be the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 2023 /24. The primary purpose of the office is to meet and support as many of the charities and voluntary organisations in the county as possible and to shine a light to the best of ones abilities. The role sees the sheriff conducting appointments on a near daily basis.
I was invited to meet Ruth at the Azalea premises early on in my term of office. I thought I knew some of the activities of Azalea but it was only when I spent time with Ruth that I became more fully aware of the quite incredible work conducted by the charity. I am simply blown away by the amazing works of all our charities but none more so than that of Azalea. I am a very proud father of a daughter so when I learned of the lives of girls less fortunate I could have cried. Azalea is incredible , I am humbled to be asked to become a Patron and will support them to the best of my ability.”
https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/27/about_your_council/251/high_sheriff_of_bedfordshire - find out more info about Russell here.