Fiona Castle interviewed by Sandie Keetch

Message of Hope after Tragedy

Fiona Castle has overcome the tragic death of her husband, TV presenter and entertainer Roy Castle, through her strong Christian faith and is now doing things she would never have dreamt of before.

Fiona visited Norwich recently to talk about her God-charged walk that's brought overwhelming peace. She heeds the cries against injustice, writes books, shares her life story, broadcasts on radio and helps raise millions of pounds for cancer campaigns.

After the death of Roy from cancer eight years ago, she has taken up his mantle for charity.

Fiona's travels help unmask the suffering of HIV sufferers and child prostitutes in India. She is concerned with the homeless and youngsters who are re-educated after being excluded from society.

In hindsight, she has climbed mountains that would have seemed impossible without an irrepressible Christian faith.

But until God impacted Fiona's life, she lacked confidence.

 "I became lonely at home and I took my responsibilities as a wife and mother so seriously I tried to be perfect and I was a worrier," she said.

"Although I had everything, I was empty inside and depressed," explained Fiona who found lasting peace when she met her Saviour.

Fiona stayed in the background as a wife and mother until two days after Roy's death. "Then I was invited onto national television," she recalls. It heralded the beginning of a new career, elevating this former dancer and singer to the frontline of cancer campaigns.

She also replaced Roy as a patron for the Oasis Trust and works for Global Care to help address the plight of the needy in both the UK and Third World. As recently appointed Chairman of Activate, she helps resource and inspire Christian women to take God's love into the community.

I have tried to rise to the challenges that God has given me, keeping focused on whatever is important as my life's purpose. I was learning and growing with new challenges that included talks on bereavement to encourage people to get out there and back into life," says Fiona who was leading by example.

The ingrained poverty and neglect across the Third World has been a driving force for this mother of four. She is linked with charities that are turning despair into unexpected prosperity thanks to creativity and vision.

There are some amazing projects in India including refuges for girl prostitutes and street children and hospices in the mountains for youngsters with HIV. It is rewarding to see the differences that can be made through various organisations even though they may be a drop in the ocean," said Fiona.