'Humbled' David Beckham

Jan 25, 2008, 13:35 GMT

UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, England and Los Angeles Galaxy soccer star making friends with five year old Senyo during his visit 20 January to a therapeutic nutrition centre in Makeni in northern Siegga Leone. The centre receives support from UNICEF and Beckham made the visit in his capacity as goodwill ambassador of the child supporting organisation. EPA/DAVID TURNLEY

David Beckham has been left "humbled" by his trip to poverty-stricken Sierra Leone.

The soccer star - who has three sons, Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, five, and two-year-old Cruz with Spice Girl wife Victoria - will "never forget" his visit to West Africa for United Nations children's organisation UNICEF.

David said: "I've just returned from visiting Sierra Leone in Africa as part of my role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Though I saw many problems and issues to tackle, I was heartened by the incredible and selfless work UNICEF and other agencies do."

He added on his official blog: "I was also humbled by the people of Sierra Leone, who, despite the problems they face, keep smiling and are hopeful for the future. They made me feel extremely welcome in their country and I will never forget the experience."

During his three-day trip, David, 32, pleaded with the world to help dying children in developing countries.

The Los Angeles Galaxy player said: "We can't turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world, mostly from causes that are preventable.

"In Sierra Leone one in four children dies before their fifth birthday. It's shocking and tragic, especially when the solutions are simple - things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria."

(C) BANG Media International