Our Founder
Children in Crossfire was founded in September 1996 by Richard Moore.
Forgiveness & Compassion
On Thursday 4th May 1972 when a ten-year-old Richard Moore was on his way home from school, his life changed forever.
As he passed an army lookout post, located at the edge of his school’s playground, a British Soldier fired a rubber bullet from ten feet away, blinding him for life. This is where his remarkable story of forgiveness and compassion begins.
Despite losing his sight in such a traumatic way, Richard returned to his old school, went on to university, successfully ran his own business, became an accomplished musician, and is married with two children and leads a very active and fulfilling life.
Richard didn’t harbour any bitterness towards the soldier who shot him and always expressed his desire to meet him. In January 2006, Richard met Charles for the first time, and the two men have become close friends.
Amazingly, from childhood to the present day, he has never allowed blindness to hinder his development. “I have learned to see life in a different way”, is how he describes his remarkable acceptance of what for most would have been a debilitating trauma.
In 1996 Richard felt the need to harness all that he had learned and put it at the service of humanity, particularly children around the world who have been caught in the crossfire of poverty. The story of Children in Crossfire, therefore, has its roots in what began as a tragedy and ended as a triumph of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
On 17th July 2007 whilst His Holiness was present to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Children in Crossfire in Derry, gripping Richards hand the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists said,
“Whether you believe it or not, you are my hero, and a wonderful son of humanity. Despite your tremendous painful experience you don’t have any anger or hate. You accept what has happened and keep your peace of mind. You are a good example and model”.
During his visit the Dalai Lama met privately with Richard and Charles,
“It is wonderful to see the person who suffered and the person who caused the suffering to become true friends. There is genuine friendship and happiness which is based on forgiveness”.
Awards & Accolades
Throughout his life, Richard has been recognised globally for his contributions to international development and the promotion of forgiveness and compassion.
Autobiography
In 2009 Richard published his autobiography ‘Can I Give Him My Eyes’, an inspiring autobiography of a child blinded in war who found freedom in forgiveness.
Here, Richard Moore lends us his eyes as he shares his remarkable and singular story, from his early years growing up on the working-class Creggan Estate in Derry, the second youngest of a family of twelve children.
