Dame Anne Begg will be responsible for championing the work Cornerstone is involved in throughout Scotland
Scottish social care charity Cornerstone has appointed Dame Anne Begg as a patron.
Dame Anne, who was named Disabled Scot of the Year in 1988, will be responsible for championing the work Cornerstone is involved in throughout Scotland.
The former MP for Aberdeen South began her career teaching history and English at Webster’s High School in Kirriemuir in 1987 and went on to become the head of English at Arbroath Academy.
During her time in the Commons she held a number of positions, including chair of the work and pensions select committee in the 2010-15 parliament.
She was awarded a DBE in the 2011 new year’s honours list for her work for disabled people and equal opportunities.
There are huge challenges ahead for the care sector, so I am keen to do what I can to support and highlight the work of Cornerstone
Of her latest appointment, Dame Anne said: "I was delighted to be asked to become a patron for Cornerstone and accepted without hesitation.
“It is an organisation I have had dealings with for 20 years and know the superb work they do in providing accommodation and support for adults with disabilities.
"There are huge challenges ahead for the care sector, so I am keen to do what I can to support and highlight the work of Cornerstone.
“I want to help raise its profile across Scotland to show that it is possible to provide services of the highest quality. The people Cornerstone supports deserve nothing less."
Cornerstone chief executive Edel Harris added: “Dame Anne Begg has a long standing relationship with Cornerstone. She knew our founder, Nick Baxter, well and gave a very moving and personal eulogy at his funeral.
“Anne understands the importance of people with a disability having the same opportunities as the rest of the population to live a valued life and we are very fortunate to have her as our patron.
“Her knowledge and experience of the political and social environment in which we operate is a huge asset and her profile in the UK is such that she will be a great ambassador for our work.”
