Sometimes a genuine interest is just not enough

When I first started posting about the tragedy of Madeleine McCann, I was overwhelmed by the amount of emails I received supporting my stance. I still have those emails - email addresses removed but content and "feeling" preserved.

In many cases I do not need a written record of the email address or name of the sender - the impact they made will keep the senders name in my mind.

One such early email came from a lady who is a regular reader of this blog. It was just a short email, but said more than McCann or his sun-tanned sidekick have said in four months. Her concern and depth of feeling for children helped me decide to carry on. I am not stupid, I knew exactly what I was taking on - been there done that and know how the bastards work - but that email and others like it, proved to me that I would get support. I would not be fighting alone.

I have since had other emails from this lady and I know she has a deep interest in child trafficking. The other day I received a short email from her asking for assistance.

"Hi Mike its ********* just wondering if you have any ideas as to how I can volunteer for helping child victims. I have contacted CEOP and other places to try and get involved - or get advice on how to become involved - but I've never had any reply, just thought you may know of an organisation or someone who could help"

Notice she did not make a point of complaining about the lack of response she received - her main concern was information.

Of course, the lady's only qualification so far is that she actually cares about children. She is not as useful as a high-profile child neglecter with a membership card to the Mutual Protection Society, and an interest in child protection issues that only stems from May 3.

Her interest and care was formed well before that fateful night in May. She has told me of her research and her study of such issues. She has received no organised help as such, and when she does seek assistance, she is ignored.

It seems this is not the sort of person CEOP want. Their website is all about partnerships and corporate support. Sure, CEOP have youth groups and young people helping - it's good PR.

If I can spot a person with genuine concern and interest in child protection issues - why can't they and other organisations? Even if they could not assist her, it would not have taken much to have pointed her towards those who can.

Their failure to do so gives the perception that like so many of these agencies with fancy titles and fancy logos, they are merely a largely ineffectual window-dressing exercise.

I am a businessman (or used to be!) and I even have an expensive Italian suit! I wonder if I would have received a response if I wrote and asked how I could help?

If anyone reading this is in a position to offer advise to this lady, I will be more than happy to act as a go-between.