Terry Waite

Biography

Whilst negotiating the release of Western hostages as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy, Terry Waite was seized and taken hostage himself. Held in captivity in Beirut for 1760 days, four years of which were in solitary confinement, his spirit and faith was tested to the limit. The experience also gave him lessons in survival that would change his life forever.

A man of considerable physical and psychological stature, Terry Waite has travelled the world and negotiated successfully with some of its most vilified personalities. In each instance, he demonstrated the tough-mindedness, compassion and grace under fire that makes him as one of the world’s most respected humanitarians.

Waite became a public figure through his hostage missions to Iran and Libya, going head to head with Khomeini’s revolutionary leadership and with Colonel Gaddafi. In each case he was successful. He still works with Y-Care International, a disaster and relief-funding organisation administered by the YMCA throughout the world. He also works with the relatives of both victims of, and recruits to, the so-called Islamic State group, helping them to come to terms with their situation, and in the case of the fighters, de-radicalise them.

Terry shares insights he has gained from over thirty years of international service. As well as throwing light on the various power struggles, particularly in the Middle East, he shows how hardship and stress can be the source of inner strength. He also tells a gripping (and often surprisingly entertaining) story, including how he was unwittingly given a copy of The Great Escape.