Baroness Caroline Cox, a globally recognized advocate for humanitarian causes who has championed Christians facing poverty and persecution, sometimes risking her own life, has announced she has Alzheimer’s disease.
Cox, 87, a dedicated Anglican and founder of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), an international development charity based in Bristol, England, shared her diagnosis in a recent news update titled “A Statement from our Founder.”
The charity’s employees vowed to continue supporting Cox’s vision of providing emergency relief, health care, child education, advocacy and conflict resolution. Cox stepped down as chief executive officer in 2021, receiving the honorary title of president emeritus.
“Baroness (Caroline) Cox has taken the brave decision to share that she has recently received the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease,” read the HART news update. “Therefore, regrettably, she will reduce some of her activities but plans to continue to engage with causes to which she is deeply committed.
“Caroline has built a strong and dedicated team at Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART), who are well-equipped to carry forward her inspirational vision. We are profoundly grateful for your steadfast support.”
Cox’s achievements are numerous. She is an independent member of the House of Lords and a former deputy speaker.
“Caroline is known for visiting places where many others are unwilling or unable to go,” read an earlier HART biographical update. “She has spoken many times in parliament about her fact-finding missions to forgotten conflict zones and the inspirational projects of HART’s local partners.
“Through her humanitarian work, Caroline stood in solidarity with people who are persecuted, marginalised, oppressed and ignored by the world’s media. She shone a light on their suffering and advocated for their freedom.”
Cox has traveled to remote regions including Abyei, Burma, Sudan and South Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, Syria and North Korea. She visited Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region in Azerbaijan, more than 90 times.
“Caroline risked her life many times to deliver medical aid and food supplies to people in need,” added the HART biography. “She was instrumental in helping to change the former Soviet Union policies for orphaned and abandoned children from institutional to foster family care.”
According to HART, Cox has received numerous international awards for her humanitarian work from governments, charities, universities and other organizations. These honors include the Commander Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland; the International Mother Teresa Award from the All India Christian Council; the Mkhitar Gosh Medal from the president of Armenia; the Anniversary Medal presented by Lech Walesa, former president of Poland, at the 25th anniversary of the Polish Solidarity Movement; honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of England; honorary doctorates from universities in the U.K., U.S., Russia and Armenia; and the prestigious Wilberforce Award.
