BARONESS Cox, founder of The Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) and former deputy speaker of the House of Lords, gave a motivational talk to The Royal School, Haslemere, on ‘The Privilege of Making a Difference.’

HART was launched in 2003 to help those suffering persecution, who are not helped by the major international charities. Since establishing the charity, Baroness Cox has travelled to many impoverished and war-torn countries, including Sudan and Syria, to ask what their most pressing needs are.

In beleaguered Myanmar, the charity set up a training programme for community health workers, saving the lives of people in more than 473 villages that previously had no access to healthcare.

Baroness Cox described the dangers HART faced in Sudan, where ethnic and religious cleansing has displaced more than 500,000 people, who have no access to shelter, food and healthcare, and are difficult to reach. The charity has reported ‘horrific’ human rights abuses there, and is trying to provide aid.

Sixth-form student Charlie said: “Her talk finished with the opportunity to ask questions and examples of ways in which we could support people in these situations.

“Although hearing the stories of the victims of oppression and persecution was harrowing, listening to the hope and support given by Baroness Cox’s organisation was a truly inspirational experience.”