At the age of nine Larry Loyie was forced to leave his home in Alberta, Canada, and the traditional Cree way of life, to attend a boarding school where the goal of teaching was to wipe out his native language and traditions.

In his 50s he started to practise Nichiren Buddhism, and this became a turning point in fulfilling his dream of becoming a writer.

‘Where am I?’ I wake up with a start surrounded by bright, unnatural light. ‘It’s OK, calm down, relax. You’re in the hospital, St Mary’s Paddington.’ A nurse grimaces at my total confusion.

‘What the hell happened?’ I start to whimper, noticing some dried splatters of blood on the floor.

‘You were mugged. But you’re going to be fine.’ She nods kindly and then rushes off.

One of the most original thinkers on the role of religion in the modern world is Karen Armstrong, a former Roman Catholic nun who left a convent to study literature at Oxford.  She has written many books about what religions have in common - and about their effect on world events.

Americans throw away 40 per cent of their food every year, even though an estimated 50 million Americans don’t have enough to eat. In the UK three million tonnes of food a year are dumped into landfill despite our economic woes and welfare cuts. Food waste needs to be addressed by governments and industry . . . but in the meantime local food recovery organisations are fighting back.

Dr Brian May, the legendary Queen guitarist, speaks up for animals at every opportunity he can - writes Julia Stephenson. When I hosted the launch of the Green Party animal welfare manifesto at my flat, we were thrilled when he turned up to offer his support. Modest and unassuming, he deflects the attention he attracts towards causes close to his heart.

Think again before scrimping on presents this Christmas. Recent research reveals that we experience higher levels of happiness and wellbeing splashing out on others rather than on ourselves.