14.12.05

Led Zep guitarist Jimmy Page gets OBE

Jimmy Page has received an OBE, (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), from the queen in her annual list of birthday honours. He was presented with the award on Wednesday, not for his contribution to rock music however, but for his charity work involving Brazilian street children dating back to 1994.
Page and his wife Jimena have spent the last ten years raising money and awareness for the cause, through the charities Task Brazil, and the ABC trust organisations.

This was not the first time Jimmy has met the queen. Back in March 2005, Page was one amongst other guitar legends, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Brian May to greet the queen at Buckingham palace, at a reception to honour British musical talent.

Page first became involved on a visit to Rio de Janeiro back in 1994. There he witnessed at first hand street fighting between gangs and the appalling situation of Rio's street children. He approached the charity Task Brazil and helped set up a safe house to support destitute children, which has helped hundreds of local children to escape the slums and street crime.

Page was said to be overwhelmed with the award, "I think when you're faced with a plight that's inescapable, and there's something you can do about it, you hope you can make a difference," Page said.

ABC Trust:"ABC Trust’s main aims are to raise awareness and funds to help disadvantaged children and adolescents in Brazil, focusing on empowering the youngsters to transform and improve their own lives. As well as ensuring their basic needs, safety and well-being, the Charity offers positive education and training opportunities through several community based projects created in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, Joao Pessoa and Lencois".

You can find out more about Jimmy Page and his charity causes at...

Jimmy Page online.
ABC Trust org.