Ivison Trust: The Legacy of Irene Ivison and the Fight Against Child Exploitation
The Ivison Trust stands as a testament to a mother's determination to protect other children from the horrors of exploitation. Born from a personal tragedy, the organization has evolved from a grassroots parent support group into a professional entity dedicated to combating the grooming and exploitation of minors.
The Origins of Pace
The organization was originally established in 1996 under the name Pace, which stood for Parents Against Child Exploitation. It was founded by Irene Ivison following the devastating loss of her 17-year-old daughter, Fiona. Fiona had been groomed by a known pimp and forced into prostitution; tragically, she was killed just three weeks after being forced onto the street and sold for sex by her boyfriend, who acted as her pimp.
Justice was served in the legal system, as Fiona's killer was successfully prosecuted and received a life sentence. This tragedy became the catalyst for Irene Ivison to ensure that other families would not suffer a similar fate.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Life and Work of Irene Ivison
Irene Ivison was born in Oxford on March 5, 1946. Following her daughter's murder in 1993, she dedicated the remainder of her life to activism. Alongside other grieving parents, Ivison campaigned tirelessly to bring the issue of pimping—the act of recruiting and controlling others for prostitution—to the attention of the wider public.
In 1997, Ivison published a book titled Fiona's Story. The memoir provided a harrowing account of her daughter's life and death, including the traumatic moment Irene first learned of Fiona's passing through a newspaper report.
Her commitment to child protection was recognized on a national level. Just three days before her death, Ivison was nominated for the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize, an award honoring those who make significant contributions to the fight against child prostitution.
Irene Ivison passed away on October 20, 2000, due to complications following a routine operation.
Growth and Evolution of the Trust
Following the foundation of Pace, the organization steadily expanded its capacity to help families. In 2002, the charity secured funding for its first dedicated parent support worker, marking a transition toward more structured professional support.
The organization continued to grow over the next two decades, increasing its staff to 20 employees by 2021. To honor the woman whose vision started the movement, Pace officially renamed itself the Ivison Trust in 2025.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1996 as Pace (Parents Against Child Exploitation).
- Renamed: Became the Ivison Trust in 2025.
- Founder: Irene Ivison (1946–2000).
- Catalyst: The grooming and murder of Fiona Ivison at age 17.
- Key Publication: Fiona's Story (1997).
- Staff Growth: Expanded to 20 staff members by 2021.
| Year | Event/Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Murder of Fiona Ivison |
| 1996 | Pace (Parents Against Child Exploitation) formed |
| 1997 | Publication of Fiona's Story |
| 2000 | Death of founder Irene Ivison |
| 2002 | Funding received for first parent support worker |
| 2021 | Staff count reaches 20 |
| 2025 | Pace renamed to Ivison Trust |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the Ivison Trust?
The organization was originally founded in 1996 as Pace, which stood for Parents Against Child Exploitation.
Who founded the organization and why?
It was founded by Irene Ivison after her 17-year-old daughter, Fiona, was groomed, forced into prostitution, and killed.
What is "Fiona's Story"?
Fiona's Story is a book published by Irene Ivison in 1997 that recounts the events surrounding her daughter's life and death.
When did the charity change its name to the Ivison Trust?
The organization officially changed its name from Pace to the Ivison Trust in 2025.
What recognition did Irene Ivison receive for her work?
Irene Ivison was nominated for the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize shortly before her death in 2000.