New chairman for wireless fund to continue Churchill’s pledge

9:32am Sunday 5th June 2005

FORMER director of the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) Peter McDonagh, has been elected chairman of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund.

The 56-year-old from Kingston Road, High Wycombe, has been a life-long supporter of the charity and replaces Sir John Wall who held the post for 14 years.

The charity provides specially adapted audio equipment on free permanent loan to blind or partially-sighted people.

Mr McDonagh said he was "delighted" by the news and would be working to fulfil Winston Churchill's 1929 promise that "every blind person in the land shall have a wireless set".

He added: "We have a great staff and fundraising operation.

"We have a huge responsibility to a growing number of blind and partially-sighted people of all ages."

During his time as director of the BFBS between 1990 and 1999 Mr McDonagh played a key role in ensuring the future of the fundraising nearly £1million through appeals.