Anja Ringgren Lovén, the Danish woman who hit headlines when she rescued a child believed to be a ‘witch’, has been named 2016’s most inspiring person.
She was living in southern Nigeria when she stumbled across the starving toddler, who was clearly emaciated and close to death.
Anja gave him food and water, before bundling him up in a blanket and seeking urgent medical attention.
She called the little boy Hope, and has since adopted him. And thanks to the love and care she has given him, he is happy and thriving.
Anja believed that Hope had been driven out of his village by his family, who may have believed him to be ‘possessed’.
“Thousands of children are being accused of being witches and we've seen torture of children, dead children and frightened children,' she wrote on Facebook at the time.
Anja came across Hope when she was working in Nigeria to give aid to children living in poverty. Moved by the plight of these kids, she went on to found the African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation.
Anja beat Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama to be named winner of the prestigious accolade.
We’re delighted for Anja – we can’t think of a more worthy recipient of this honour.
