One of Aberdeen’s former MPs has become a patron of a national disability charity.
Dame Anne Begg, who was MP for Aberdeen South until she lost her seat to Calum McCaig in May’s General Election, has taken on the role for Cornerstone.
The organisation provides support for people living with all kinds of disabilities across Scotland, and in her new role Dame Anne will be working hard to champion the work the charity does in communities across the nation.
Dame Anne, who was named Disabled Scot of the Year in 1988 and was honoured with a DBE in the 2011 New Year’s Honours for her work with disabled people, said: “I was delighted to be asked to become a patron for Cornerstone and accepted without hesitation.
“It is an organisation I have had dealings with for 20 years and know the superb work they do in providing accommodation and support for adults with disabilities.
“From its pioneering beginnings as the brain child of Nick Baxter, Cornerstone has led the way over the years in delivering excellent care and has acted as a model of how to support people with profound disabilities to lead independent lives.
“Cornerstone has always valued its staff and the people it supports.”
The charity’s chief executive, Edel Harris, said Dame Anne’s recent appointment was a reflection of her political clout and her friendship with Cornerstone’s founder.
He said: “Dame Anne Begg has a long standing relationship with Cornerstone. She knew our founder, Nick Baxter, well and gave a very moving and personal eulogy at his funeral.
“Anne understands the importance of people with a disability having the same opportunities as the rest of the population to live a valued life and we are very fortunate to have her as our patron.
“Her knowledge and experience of the political and social environment in which we operate is a huge asset and her profile in the UK is such that she will be a great ambassador for our work.”
Dame Anne, who was the first permanent wheelchair user in the House of Commons since 1880, added that in her new role she would seek to empower Cornerstone to keep up its good work, despite oncoming issues in the social care field.
She added: “There are huge challenges ahead for the care sector, so I am keen to do what I can to support and highlight the work of Cornerstone.
“I want to raise its profile across Scotland to show that it is possible to provide services of the highest quality. The people Cornerstone supports deserve nothing less.”
Cornerstone provides support to more than 2,600 people every year, and provides its services to 20 local authorities across Scotland.
For more information on Cornerstone and how you can help, visit www.cornerstone.org.uk.