Children’s Champ Dies
January 22, 2007
Peter Clarke, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, passed away peacefully and with dignity at 6.10 am on Sunday morning (21 January 2007) following a courageous battle with cancer. His wife and sons were at his side.
Maria Battle, Acting Commissioner, said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to Peter, who established this organisation and worked so tirelessly to improve the lives of our children and young people. We all took strength from the tremendous courage that Peter showed in the face of his illness and from his continued determination to speak up for Wales’ children and young people. He has inspired his staff to take his vision forward. For those of us who had the privilege of knowing him and of working with him, it will be no surprise to know that up until the end his thoughts were of the children and young people of Wales.
“We offer our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Peter’s wife Jenny and his sons Liam and Bryn. His devotion and love for his family was always clear.”
First Minister Rhodri Morgan said:
“Peter could sometimes be tough and demanding as a champion for children but that was his job. He always fulfilled his duties with passion, dedication and commitment. He blazed a trail for others to follow. He made an enormous contribution to the lives of children and young people in Wales in the past six years and many thousands have benefited, and will benefit in the future, from his work. ”
Before his death, Peter Clarke said:
“I know that my team are committed to making sure that children and young people are protected, and their rights and interests promoted, in the way that I would wish.”
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