LISTENING to the radio this week, I was amused to hear there is now even more of a reason (if one were needed) for watching the great Tiger Woods play golf.

Apparently, it has been shown that whenever he is successful in competition, trading on the US stock exchange goes up.

This is due, it seems, to a rise in the "feel-good factor" among traders.

Thinking about this made me realise the powerful influence that celebrities have upon our lives.

The use by some political parties of TV and pop stars in their election campaigns is further evidence of the fact.

Back in the 1980s, it was the influence and action of Sir Bob Geldolf, leading to the formation of Band Aid and the production of the record Feed the World (Do they know it's Christmas?)which prompted many of us to contribute to the needs of millions of people in Ethiopia.

Consider the difference made to their plight as a result.

Few of us, if asked, would say we have far-reaching influence. Few of us would claim to be figures of importance and yet what we do or don't do makes a difference.

I write at the end of Christian Aid Week and the focus of the charity's appeal this year has been on the difference we can each make to the lives of those most in need.

Christian Aid uses the image of a tiny mustard seed to signify that even our smallest contribution - whether it be the giving of money or time or a commitment to campaigning for the victims of poverty and injustice - can make a huge difference.

It is, I believe, in this sense that we can each exert a powerful, life-enriching influence.

Catherine Reynolds