His Holiness The Dalai Lama of Tibet accepts invitation to be the Patron of Children in Crossfire

On Thursday 6th May 2010 Richard Moore on behalf of Children in Crossfire, asked His Holiness to become patron of the charity that he founded in 1996. His holiness said 'it would be an honour'. His Holiness told Richard Moore "The example you have set is of benefit in personal and international relations. This is non-violence in action".

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 Can I give him my eyes ...

'I was about ten feet away when a soldier fired the rubber bullet that struck me on the bridge of my nose. I didn't hear the bang of the discharge. All I remember is that everything went blank. And that was the moment my life changed forever.'
Extract from the novel "Can I Give Him My Eyes?", the autobiography of Richard Moore.

Richard Moore has travelled on an extraordinary journey since losing his sight as a ten year old boy on the troubled streets of Derry in 1972. He has turned a tale of potential human trajedy into a story of compassion and faith that has inspired others, including the Dalai Lama for whom Richard has become a "hero" for epitomising the human potential to forgive.

It was in the mid-90’s that Richard began to consider changing the direction of his life, a decision that would so positively change the fortunes of others. At that time, he owned a bar in Derry, but was also already heavily involved in a variety of social and charitable concerns.

“I realised that being a businessman wasn’t giving me the satisfaction that I needed”, he recalls. “I decided in 1992 that I would disengage from my business and try to get involved in charity work. By 1996, I felt we had the infrastructure in place and we launched Children in Crossfire.”

Since then, the charity has invested millions of pounds in projects both at home and across the developing world. Working in partnership with a network of charity organisations on the ground in countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia and The Gambia, it strives to provide the infrastructure and the tools necessary to end the cycle of poverty.

‘Can I Give Him My Eyes?’ is the Inspiring autobiography of a boy blinded in war who found freedom in forgiveness.

 Quotes from the Foreword

'I encourage people across the world to read what Richard has to say.’
His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

'I have been inspired by the depth, width and clarity of Richard Moore's vision.’
John Hume. Nobel Laureate.