Sir Alexander Ellis: ‘we’re Here To Support Those Who Need It Most’

Sir Alexander Ellis (London, 1967) reaffirmed his committedness to supporting British nationals successful request done nan long-standing activity of nan British Benevolent Fund (BBF).

Speaking exclusively to Euro Weekly News astatine a caller BBF fundraising arena successful Madrid, Ellis highlighted nan standard of nan British beingness successful Spain and nan captious domiciled played by nan BBF successful offering emergency support to those facing terrible hardship.

“The British Benevolent Fund is raised wholly done charitable giving, and it helps British group successful hopeless need,” said nan ambassador connected a lukewarm and pleasant day successful nan plot of his charismatic residence successful Madrid. “This arena is astir celebrating that activity and making judge it tin proceed into nan future. Supporters tin return portion by joining nan event, buying raffle tickets, and of people we person very generous sponsors contributing prizes.”

The ambassador besides acknowledged nan BBF’s wide geographical reach, emphasising that it provides assistance crossed nan full of Spain, from Málaga to Madrid and beyond. “It’s a large community, and nan support nan Fund offers really is national,” he said.

Ellis’s return to Spain marks a individual and master homecoming. He first arrived successful Madrid successful 2003 arsenic Counsellor for EU and Global Issues, and now succeeds Hugh Elliott successful starring nan embassy’s activity successful a state he has agelong considered adjacent to his heart.

Europe, Latin America and tons of empathy

Born successful London successful 1967, Sir Alexander Ellis has held negotiated postings crossed Europe and Latin America, including ambassadorships successful Portugal and Brazil. His astir caller domiciled was arsenic High Commissioner to India, a station he held until earlier this year. Fluent successful Spanish and Portuguese, he is joined to Teresa Adegas, a Portuguese national, and their boy Tomás is connected nan autism spectrum – a taxable nan ambassador has addressed publically pinch candour and empathy.

“We must spell beyond fear,” he erstwhile wrote successful The Week India, “and thief group spot that everything is OK – location is thing to beryllium acrophobic of.”

This acquisition and compassionate reside reflects Ellis’s roots arsenic a erstwhile history coach and nan boy of a schoolhouse headmaster. His negotiated profession began pinch a historical mission: helping negociate South Africa’s antiauthoritarian modulation aft Nelson Mandela’s release. Since then, he has divided his clip betwixt home and world service, ne'er losing touch pinch his much quality passions – notably choral euphony and sport.

The precocious points of his career

Just earlier taking up his caller station successful Madrid, Ellis sang successful Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis pinch nan UK Parliament Choir, a group that includes MPs and Lords. A keen shot fan, he besides fondly recalls attending nan 2016 Rio Olympic Games during his clip successful Brazil arsenic 1 of nan precocious points of his career.

His lukewarm and approachable style has already made waves connected societal media, wherever he introduced himself to Spanish followers pinch a light-hearted video celebrating nan commencement of nan caller schoolhouse twelvemonth – a fitting metaphor for this caller chapter. “I’m excited to beryllium back,” he said. “My family and I are thrilled to return to a state we love.”

As nan BBF continues its important activity supporting susceptible Britons successful Spain, nan ambassador’s beingness is some symbolic and practical: a reminder that diplomacy is not conscionable astir authorities aliases trade, but besides astir group – particularly those who request thief nan most.