Tributes paid to former Scope chair

Disability charity Scope has paid tribute to its former Chair Andrew McDonald, who has passed away.

McDonald was chair of the charity from 2014 to 2019, during which time he helped develop its equality strategy and champion equal rights for disabled people.

Scope chief executive Mark Hodgkinson said that “everyone at Scope will miss him greatly”.

“Andrew had – in his five years as chair - a hugely positive impact on Scope and our work,” Hodgkinson added.

“His guidance, leadership and judgement were first-rate. Andrew was a passionate about disability equality and was a driving force in creating our Everyday Equality strategy.

“He was instrumental in helping to forge Scope into the forward-looking and dynamic organisation it is today.

“At this very sad time our thoughts are with his friends and family. Andrew’s influence on Scope will continue to shape our future.”

McDonald resigned in 2019 for health reasons. He was replaced in 2020 by Robin Millar, who said: “Andrew’s leadership of Scope helped to transform the lives of thousands of disabled people and their families.

“We are hugely thankful for all Andrew did during his five years as chair. And we are all extremely proud of what Scope achieved under Andrew’s guidance.

“I was delighted to take up the mantle from Andrew in 2020 and lead Scope in our mission to continue to transform the lives of disabled people and disabled families just as Andrew did.”