freecraigalden

TESTIMONIALS

“ the sentence of Craig Alden to 48 years imprisonment is disgraceful, and, if the Brazilian Courts of Justice cannot correct it, it is right that we should press our Prime Minister, who would press the Foreign Secretary, to try to achieve justice in this matter”
The Rt Hon the Lord Renton, KBE, QC, TD, DL, House of Lords London

During our 4 years in Brazil, working for the Embassy, I have nothing but praise for the work that Craig undertook to vastly improve the lives of those unfortunate children he saved. We met all the children on our visits to the Abrigo and their trips to the Embassy for the Xmas and Easter parties.
We, the Brits and the Brazilians, recognised that Craig provided these children with a “family life” and the stability to improve their circumstances as well as providing the love and care to his son.

When we left Brazil in June 2001 all the children turned up at the airport to wish tia and tio (aunt and uncle) farewell. A very moving moment.
I have three boys myself, all of whom came with us to Brazil and I think I am a fair judge of children’s behaviour. ALL the children from the Abrigo improved beyond recognition during the 4 years we knew them and exhibited all the signs of being cared for to the highest level.

I have spoken to many people, both British and Brazilian who consider Craig’s situation and what he has been through a travesty of justice beyond belief.

We wish you every success in your campaign and our best wishes go to Craig and his family.
Jim and Pauline Jarvie (Alex, Alistair and Jimmy)
Former British Embassy Staff.'

I worked as a volunteer at the Abrigo between 8.1.00 and 11.4.00. I found Craig to be exceptionally hard working with total dedication to the well being of the children in his charge. .......I found his moral standards impeccable and am totally and utterly horrified at the lies and deception that Craig is currently suffering. This is a man of integrity and very high standards'.
Wendy Miller - volunteer at Abrigo

Extracts from report on Wendy's visit:

A Psychiatrist who visited regularly supported children with specialist needs at the Abrigo. During one visit she reported to me that in her experience the children at Abrigo were the healthiest and happiest that she had come across.

Good records were kept on all the children's progress, weight, height etc.,

There were three meals a day - food served typically consisted of -
Breakfast --- Milk and biscuits or milk and cake or milk and a pancake
Lunch --- Fresh vegetables - salad - rice or pasta - brown beans - stew or other meat dish according to what was available
Evening --- Rice or pasta - various dishes

Good personal hygiene was ensured by children showering morning and night.

Sweet corn was grown and pigs fattened also a cow and calf were kept. Children had a football area and park area with swings, slide climbing frames. They were also taken for walks and swimming in the lake. (Pre swimming pool on site)

Children attended school on site - the older children attending a nearby school. All children appeared keen and eager to attend.

Once a month there was a 'birthday party' for the children who had a birthday that month - when volunteers would come with presents and party things.

Extra treats were a visit to town skateboard area or ice cream parlor.

Conclusion: All in all I witnessed the children being cared for and looked after in the best way possible with the facilities and resources that were available. All this has been made possible because of the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of Craig Alden.

''I went out to Brazil and worked at the orphanage for four weeks during March 2000. During this time I never saw anything that led me to believe that any of the kids were being abused in any way. Instead I saw that all of the kids were well looked after, healthy with three meals a day and very happy. While I was there, a health worker that worked for the local authority came to inspect the well being of the children said that they were some of the healthiest kids she had seen living in an orphanage in the area. I feel that what has happened is a downright injustice.......against a man I personally know and whose innocence I support wholeheartedly. I am quite prepared to make a legal statement on Craig's behalf in this matter, and in court if necessary, either in the UK or Brazil'.
Jonathan Scruby - volunteer at Abrigo

"I have been involved, through my job, with Craig and Abrigo Warboys and like most people was tremendously inspired by his work and his dedication. I am dismayed by what has happened to him and what appears to be a clear miscarriage of justice leading to Craig being put in a potentially threatening position"
Ed Bracher - GAP worker

"I joined Craig as a volunteer and was present at the opening of the Abrigo (1992). My age at that time was 54 (I feel this to be relevant due to life experience etc.,) .....I believe these accusations to be false and that Craig is completely innocent of these charges. In my experience I found him to be the most dedicated, hard working, trustworthy and caring young man. I have remained in contact with the Abrigo and have witnessed him give over one third of his life to the Abrigo. I strongly believe this is a miscarriage of justice and that the case should be examined urgently."
Mrs. Jean Berry - volunteer at Abrigo

"I went to work at the Abrigo in Brazil - run by Craig in July-August 2000......Craig is one of the most caring, devoted and hardworking people I have ever met. My time spent at the children's home showed me just how devoted he actually is. The children's welfare was Craig's main priority and from what I could see Craig would do (and did) everything within his means to raise, care for and provide for each and everyone of them. The children at the home see Craig as their uncle or father, the man who has given them everything a REAL father should. Craig is a man who has devoted his whole life to these children and to their basic human needs. He has clothed, fed and educated these children and given them the right to a life which they otherwise may never have had. The children that Craig cares for have come from extremely deprived backgrounds, some of them beaten and kept in terrible conditions before coming to the Abrigo.

During my time at the Abrigo I never once felt the children show Craig any negative feelings or attitude, only a genuine love and respect. They all seemed relaxed and happy around Craig and enjoyed spending time with him. What struck me so strongly was the absolute trust between the children and Craig. These children along with Craig's own young son, have now lost the one person in their lives they could depend upon.

I have absolute faith and belief that Craig Alden is innocent."
Sarah Robilliard - Volunteer at Abrigo

"I was one of two GAP boys who were at the Abrigo Warboys, Brazil from February to the start of July 2002. I was at the Abrigo the unfortunate day that Craig was arrested, which was the day we were due to depart.

The Abrigo was not just an amazing place for its appearance. It was special because of the way it was being run. Everything was for the benefit of the kids. It was like one big family. It was always obvious that the kids appreciated everything Craig did and loved him as a father figure in their lives. They all wanted his attention, all of the time.

Both James and I became firm friends with Craig. We spent a lot of evenings going up to his house for dinner, talking, relaxing, discussing plans and ideas for the Abrigo. We couldn't have wished for a better person to work with. He is an amazing person who has made a huge influence in my life. He has my utmost respect for all he has done and achieved.

I have always believed and always will believe that Craig is completely and utterly innocent. Knowing him as well as we had come to do, he could never do that to any of the kids. He just wouldn't. All of the things that have been made up about him are completely ridiculous. He is innocent."
Edward Box - GAP volunteer 2002 - Joint winner of award presented by Princess Anne The Princess Royal - for outstanding overseas voluntary service at the Abrigo Warboys

From February to June 2000 I was a volunteer in Abrigo Warboys helping Craig to look after the children. Throughout that time there was no question of Craig abusing the children. He managed to keep the home running despite little support for the local authorities and having a constant struggle for funds. I have no doubt of Craig's integrity and his innocence.
Justin Davidson - volunteer helper at Abrigo Warboys

Ispent nearly four years in Brasilia, during this time I visited a few orphanages as part of the British Embassy’s different charitable projects. The children at Abrigo Warboys were by far the happiest and best adjusted of all the children I saw. This was the only orphanage I felt comfortable taking my young daughter to. My abiding memory of these visits is of happy children enjoying life.

I now work with people who have been abused and neglected and the difference in persona is so marked I find it impossible to believe that the children in Craig’s care were anything but well cared for.

I wish you every luck in freeing Craig and only hope that he is able to return to the excellent work he was doing.

Neil Russell - Former British Vice Consul, Brasilia