Media Release
9th February 2017
For immediate release
Robbie Henshaw lines out as new ambassador for the National Council for the Blind
Irish international rugby player Robbie Henshaw today became an ambassador for the National Council for the Blind (NCBI) and will lend his support to the charity and its vital fundraising work throughout the year.
According to Chris White, CEO of NCBI, “It’s an honour to have Robbie come on board as an NCBI ambassador. The people we work with show great determination and strength on a daily basis – qualities that Robbie displays regularly on the pitch. We are delighted that he is willing to give up his time so generously to support NCBI’s work with people with sight loss.”
NCBI is Ireland’s national charity working for the rising number of people affected by sight loss. According to Census 2011, there are currently 51,718 people living with sight loss in Ireland. The charity’s practical and emotional advice and supports help 8,000 people and their families face their futures with confidence every year.
NCBI’s work in ensuring that people with sight loss have the same rights and opportunities as others is what attracted Robbie to the charity. “I had so many opportunities growing up and I was able to participate in sport and music in my community. But a lot of young people who are blind or vision impaired don’t have the same choices as I had. People with sight loss want to be able to fully participate in life and be independent but they have a lot of hurdles to overcome to do that. I’ve seen first-hand the difference that NCBI makes in helping people to break down those barriers.”
As a charity, NCBI must raise €4 out of every €10 it spends on vital services. Robbie will lend his support to a number of fundraising initiatives on behalf of the charity in 2017.
ENDS
For more information contact Fionnuala Murphy, Communications Manager, on 087 4116925 or email fionnuala.murphy@ncbi.ie.
Photos: sent to photo desk by Maxwell photography.