One of the most enduring images of the Ethiopian famine that shocked the world in 1984 was that of the young International Red Cross nurse who, surrounded by thousands of starving people and with limited supplies, had the terrible task of choosing which children to feed, knowing that those she turned away might not last the night. That nurse was Claire Bertschinger, and those pictures inspired Live Aid, the biggest relief programme the world had ever seen. 'In her was vested the power of life and death,' Bob Geldof said. 'She had become God-like, and that is unbearable for anyone.' Michael Buerk, whose BBC documentary first showed those pictures, persuaded Claire to return to Ethiopia almost twenty years later. For all those years she had been haunted by the terrible choices she had been forced to make. But when she met them again, the survivors welcomed her back with open arms.

Born in Essex, Claire Bertschinger had to overcome dyslexia to qualify as a nurse. When she joined the International Red Cross, she fulfilled a zest for adventure and a passionate vocation for relief work. She has worked with the war-wounded and hostages in Lebanon, with the Mujahidin in Afghanistan, and with victims of civil war and displaced persons in Uganda, Sierra Leone and the Sudan. Working in war zones she often came under fire herself while trying to save the lives of others.

Memoir by the International Red Cross nurse whose work during the famine in Ethiopia was first brought to the attention of the western world by the BBC's Michael Buerk and which triggered Bob Geldof's Live Aid.

About the Author
Claire Bertschinger has worked as an International Red Cross nurse in many war zones across the world including Ethiopia, Lebanon and Afghanistan. She now works at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In 1985 she was awarded the Bish Medal for courage and determination in the face of adversity and, in 1991, the prestigious Florence Nightingale Medal for those who have distinguished themselves in times of peace and war. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2010 New Years Honours for for services to Nursing and to International Humanitarian Aid.

Reviews
The story of the woman who inspired Live Aid, one of the true heroines of our times...An ordinary woman who did extraordinary things and really did move mountains * Michael Buerk *
Her incredibly inspiring life story * Daily Express *
A harrowing, emotionally charged account * Sunday Times *
Brings to life the famine and wars most of us know only through the news media. Here is the reality of Africa * Nursing Standard *



Book Information
ISBN 9780553825824
Author Claire Bertschinger
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group)
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 271g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 126mm * 23mm