Mencap president celebrates 90th birthday with charity dinner

During discussions about his 90th birthday celebrations, Mencap president Lord Rix has described the charity’s decision to change its constitution to include all people with a learning disability in 1998 as one of its finest moments.

Brian Rix has been a campaigner for people with a learning disability, and joined Mencap in 1980 where he started as secretary general.

Lord Rix became personally involved with campaigning for people with learning disabilities after his first child was born with Down’s syndrome in 1951.

Lord Rix has been fundraising and campaigning ever since, and for his 90th birthday celebration will be hosting a fundraising dinner in London at the end of the month.

He said: “When my daughter, Shelley, was born with Down's syndrome in 1951, people with a learning disability were seen as complete outcasts in society. Whilst we haven't achieved total integration, we've come a long way in the right direction.

“We need to keep putting forward all the positive achievements of people with a learning disability to make sure positive images are created in the media, especially television. In a funny way ‘Let's Go’ started the process. We need to see if we can get an up-to-date version on the BBC or Channel 4.”

Jan Tregelles, chief executive officer of Mencap, adds: "Lord Rix has perhaps done more to positively influence the lives of people with a learning disability than any other. His tireless campaigning in the House of Lords has led to some landmark decisions for the people we support, and his unique personality and enthusiasm allowed our organisation to become the UK's leading learning disability charity.

“Everyone associated with Mencap will be forever indebted to Lord Rix and we look forward to celebrating his latest achievement, his 90th birthday, in typical style and humour.”