In Memory of Nick Danagher

Nick Danagher

8^th December 1969 -  8^th July  2012

Nick Danagher was a champion for disabled people’s rights, and worked as a freelance consultant in the field of Disability Equality Issues, Nick held an impressive  background in developing and managing disabled people’s organisations and accomplished a great deal by the work he did influencing policy, strategies and services which impacted the lives of disabled people.

He was involved in the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and a board member since 2007 being elected as chairman in December 2011 http://www.surreycoalition.org.uk/index.html

As a member of Equality 2025, the UK Advisory Network on Disability Equality, he acted as a consultant to Government on a wide range of policy initiatives, as well as delivering advice and project management to public authorities.

Nick was a leading figure in the disability movement and a champion who fought most of his life in a number of ways to empower disabled people.

Nick spoke at many events and was often quoted on his work surrounding the challenges facing disabled people and their struggle to gain control of their lives. ‘nothing about us, without us’ .

If you search the internet on that particular phrase - Nick’s name will appear time and time again! Testament to the volume of work he undertook throughout his life.

Nick was a keen sports fan and is a lifelong supporter of Queens Park Rangers, something which he said, taught him patience, tolerance and eternal optimism, all of which he said came in useful as a board member of Surrey Coalition of Disabled People.

Nick Danagher is survived by his elderly parents and we extend our sympathies to them at this very sad time.

The Brittle Bone Society will be sending a representative from our Trustee Board to the funeral. Please see details below of the service (from Nick's colleagues at Surrey Coalition of Disabled People) for any members who may wish to attend or send their own tributes.

Elaine Healey – Chairman of The BBS said she was so pleased we had the opportunity to meet up with and talk to Nick at both a recent AGM and Conference and a DWP Policy meeting in London.

It was encouraging to us, that he was pleased to see the BBS getting involved in relevant Government consultation and debate – areas of work he had championed so well for so long.

RIP

from everyone at the Brittle Bone Society

Dear friends and colleagues

We have been overwhelmed by all the messages of sympathy and tributes to Nick that we have received since sending you the devastating news of his passing, and would like to thank you all for the support you have offered us and Nick’s mother, Kathleen.

We are now writing to give you the details of Nick’s funeral, which we hope you will be able to attend. These are as follows:-

1.  The funeral service will take place at Guildford Crematorium, New Pond Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3DB on Tuesday 24th July 2012 at 2.30 pm. Please arrive by 2.15 pm (directions to the Crematorium by car, train and bus, can be found here - Guildford Crematorium Directions).

2.  Refreshments and further celebrations of Nick’s life, following the funeral, will be held in the Tithe Barn at Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS, which is only half a mile from the Crematorium (directions can be found here - Loseley Park Directions and Map). This will be a safe environment for members of the Fellowship.

3.  Flowers would be very welcome, and should be delivered to Pimms Funeral Services, Charters, Mary Road, Guildford, GU1 4QX, by 11 am on 24th July. Please do not order flowers in cellophane.

4.  Donations can be made on the day, following the service, and the funds will be divided between three organisations / charities.

5.  Nick’s mother would like people not to wear black.

6.  The Crematorium has a hearing loop, and personal assistants will be available to assist, both there and at Loseley Park.

7.  Support dogs will, of course, be welcome.

We know that many people plan to attend this celebration of Nick’s life, and will be travelling from all over the country. We would therefore be pleased to assist anyone with finding accessible accommodation, transport, etc. Please do email alison.white@surreycoalition.org.uk if you would like information or assistance.

As you will see from the directions enclosed, the Crematorium is actually situated between Guildford and Godalming and is some 2 miles from Guildford town centre and train station. We will not be able to provide transport from the train station, but will provide an accessible shuttle service between the Crematorium and Loseley Park.

For those of you travelling by bus, there are frequent buses from Bay 3 at Guildford Bus Station. Details of all the bus services and frequency are given in the above directions.

Lastly, everyone is very welcome, and it would greatly assist our planning for the afternoon, if you would let us know if you are coming, particularly if you have any specific access requirements (eg: interpreter or Order of Service in braille or large print), which we will ensure are met.

Please do contact us if you have any further queries.

Kind regards

Cliff Bush OBE         Carol Pearson

Vice Chair                Chief Executive

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People 

Tel:       01483 456558

Text:     077809 33053

Fax:      01483 456561

Email:  Carol.pearson@surreycoalition.org.uk