RNIB NI Announce Richard Moore as an Ambassador

The award comes as a result of Richard’s tireless efforts to raise the profile of the needs of blind and partially sighted people in the Derry and Strabane District Council area.

Richard Moore, who was blinded by a rubber bullet in 1972 at the age of ten, is now the CEO of charity Children in Crossfire which responds to the rights and needs of children and young people caught in the crossfire of global poverty, injustice and inequality in Tanzania, Ethiopia and UK and Ireland.

Richard also owns local community radio station Drive 105 FM and played a crucial role in recently introducing live audio description at the Brandywell Stadium in Derry, home of his beloved Derry Football Club.

Richard said:

“I’ve been tapping into RNIB services since the day I lost my sight.

"I was on the RNIB Northern Ireland committee for nine years as Chairperson, and also sat on the UK-wide committee as well. I love RNIB both as a beneficiary, and as someone involved in the inner workings. I have huge respect for RNIB.

“Sometimes we don’t even realise the scope of work RNIB does for blind people. They’re behind the scenes liaising with companies to ensure accessibility is at the forefront, particularly regarding technology.

“As a blind person, I am always happy to help and give back to RNIB and help in any way I can to help them in what they’re trying to achieve. Many people would be lost without them.

"I can’t think of a better organisation to go to if you’re struggling with your sight loss.”

For Richard, the title of ‘Ambassador’ is all well and good but it’s what you do with it that counts. He said: “Awards are nice, but it’s much better if you turn them into something real and take action. I’m honoured to receive this award and to be given it by an organisation like RNIB, but I would like to think, award or no award, I would use my time as a visually impaired person to improve lives of other blind and partially sighted people.

“For me, I manage blindness, blindness doesn’t manage me. Yes, it’s a challenge, but the issues can be minimised with the right mindset and taking the support of what’s available out there. A level of acceptance is also important. I don’t dwell on what I can’t do and instead think about unlimited things I can do.”

RNIB volunteer in Derry/Londonderry, Rory McCartney praised Richard for his dedicated commitment to supporting RNIB and people with sight loss.

He said: “Without Richard, the initiative to introduce audio description into the Brandywell simply would not have happened. Richard has been a long-standing supporter of RNIB and advocate for blind and partially sighted people in the city.”

Richard, who publicly forgave the soldier who blinded him and counts the Dalai Lama as a close friend, has been a prominent RNIB figure over the years supporting the charity’s World Sight Day activity and supporting campaigning volunteer Rory in raising awareness about issues affecting blind and partially sighted people, particularly around politicians and council officials.

“When Rory asks you to do something, you just say yes,” laughs Richard. “I was so thrilled when he came to me and asked me to be involved in the Brandywell project. Me and Rory always stay in touch and I’m always happy to find out what Rory’s up to, to see if I can help.”

Notes to editors

For further media enquiries, or to arrange interviews with Richard or Rory, you can email: [email protected], or phone: 07763 579141.

About RNIB

We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives.

A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.

RNIB. See differently.

Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.