HE has been central to the debate on Iraq, but kidnap victim Norman Kember is more comfortable labelling himself a "fool" than he is proclaiming his credentials as a peace activist.

Mr Kember, who spent 118 days as a captive of the Swords of Righteousness Brigade in Baghdad in 2005-6, was at Broadstone Methodist Church to give a talk on his experiences.

His stance as a peace activist, trying to reach in Baghdad anymore, but those Christian Peacemakers still do a huge amount of work in places all over the world."

Mr Kember's faith in his mission allowed him to remain calm during his time in captivity, aided by the occasional moments of humanity exhibited during his three months in chains.

"I was never tortured. They constantly told us we were about to be released, and even brought us a cake at Christmas. When you consider all the horrors happening to people in Iraq now, and all the media interest that has come to me, I feel a bit of a fraud."

But one aspect he can't deny is the effect on his family.

Wife Pat Kember was so traumatised by the experience that she has blocked most of that time from her mind.

She said: "A lot of it I can't remember. It was so terrifying that I think I was in shock and cut off a lot of what was going on."

And it's Pat who now has the most influence over Norman rushing out to any more ravaged corners of the world.

"My greatest regret is putting my wife through that distress," says Mr Kember. "From now on, shes calling the shots."

  • Hostage In Iraq, by Norman Kember, is released on March 23.