Benjamin Zephaniah patron of NLPR

We are delighted and very proud to announce

Benjamin Zephaniah as our charity patron

Poet, novelist, playwright, campaigner for animal and human rights, Benjamin Zephaniah was born on 15 April 1958 in Birmingham. He left school at 13 and moved to London in 1979. He published his first poetry collection, Pen Rhythm, in 1980. He has fifteen honorary doctorates now and the Eailing Hospital in west London has named a wing after him in recognition of his work.

In addition to his published writing, Benjamin Zephaniah has produced numerous music recordings, and has also appeared as an actor in several television and film productions. He went vegetarian at 11 and vegan at 13 years of age. Benjamin strives to make the world a better place through words.

This photo was taken whilst Benjamin was in Pakistan. He shared a hotel room with a parrot who sadly had one wing, one leg, and a wicked bite!

A few words from Benjamin: "New Life Parrot Rescue is doing amazing work, and I am proud to be associated with them. Their work is driven by compassion, and the knowledge that we too are just animals, but we have a special responsibility to care for other animals around us. Parrots are a very special case. Everyone loves them when they are chirpy and making us smile, but very few see them when they have been abused or discarded. I would urge anyone who really cares about parrots to support us as we support them. If we don't, then who will? Let's do this."

For further information on Benjamin's work and achievements, visit his website at www.benjaminzephaniah.com