Today’s Mirror features an interview with Ali Hewson in which she talks about her charitable work and family life. The interview comes days before the Brown Thomas International Fashion Show, which she helped to organize. The fashion show will raise money for three children’s organizations.

Ali told The Mirror that she recognizes being known as “Bono’s wife” has helped to bring attention to the charities in which she’s involved. “It has advantages and disadvantages, but I understand it and I’ve got used to it now. It doesn’t bother me,” she said.

Ali explained that she and Bono have chosen specific causes to commit their time and efforts. “With Bono, it is AIDS and debt relief, and with me it is mainly children’s causes. There are so many more worthy causes, but if you spread yourself too thinly then the charities will be frustrated because they can’t use your skills properly. It would mean the people you want to help wouldn’t get that help,” Ali said.

She recognizes that the charitable work that she and her husband do can sometimes make life difficult for their four children, who are the couple’s main priority.

“We have very understanding kids, and I suppose they are used to absentee parents. Well, they are used to their dad being away, but not their mum. I tend to work on projects for a limited period of time.

“I don’t want them growing up in a glass bowl with every move scrutinised. Our lives could be so much more public, but we have to fight for as much privacy as possible for the sake of the kids. They need time to grow up and space to make mistakes — and so do adults. I prefer just to keep my head down and get on with it, but I have to be more public if I’m trying to get a message across for a charity. You need to sell it to people,” Ali explained.