British Humanitarians stamps released by Royal Mail

A set of six stamps honouring some of the UK's greatest humanitarians has been released by the Royal Mail.

Stamp showing confectioner and Quaker philanthropist, Joseph Rowntree who used half of his wealth to set up three trusts; part of a set of six stamps that honours those who have devoted their energies to helping and protecting others. Picture: Royal Mail/PA Wire

The stamps, available from 8,000 post office branches, commemorate the achievements of three women and three men.

The British Humanitarians collection includes an image of Sir Nicholas Winton, dubbed “Britain’s Schindler” for saving the lives of Jewish children during the Holocaust.

Sir Nicholas, who died last year aged 106, organised eight trains to carry 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to London in 1939, fearing they would otherwise be sent to concentration camps.

Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of the organisation that became Save the Children. Picture: Royal Mail/PA Wire

He also helped to find foster families for the children once they arrived in England, but did not reveal his astonishing bravery for half a century, even to his wife.

Also featured in the special stamps set is Nobel Prize-winning scientist Lord Boyd Orr - the Ayrshire-born physician and biologist who advocated improved nutrition and global food provision - and Quaker philanthropist Joseph Rowntree, who used half his wealth to set up three trusts.

Sue Ryder, who founded care homes for those in need in the UK and Europe, Eglantyne Jebb, a social reformer and founder of the organisation that became Save the Children, and Josephine Butler, who campaigned for women’s rights and social reform, complete the collection.

Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of the organisation that became Save the Children. Picture: Royal Mail/PA Wire

Andrew Lubbock, grandson of Lord Boyd Orr, said: “My grandfather was a most remarkable man.

“First and foremost, he was a great humanitarian and it is entirely appropriate that Royal Mail should make a stamp in his honour and it should be congratulated for doing so.

“I want to say thank you from myself, my family and the entire country for honouring an entirely honourable man.”

Stephen Agar, from Royal Mail, added: “These six British individuals remain inspirational for their actions and achievements across nearly 150 years.

“It is timely that Royal Mail pays tribute to their humanitarianism with these stamps.”

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