Robbie Henshaw with NCBI service users Jack McCarthy (4) brothers Harry (8) and Tadhg (12) Hilliard. Photo: Maxwells

Athlone's Robbie Henshaw is new ambassador for National Council for the Blind

Irish rugby star Robbie Henshaw today (Friday) became an ambassador for the National Council for the Blind (NCBI) and will lend his support to the charity and its vital fundraising work throughout the year.

NCBI’s work to ensure that people with sight loss have the same rights and opportunities as others is what attracted the Athlone man to the charity.

“I had so many opportunities growing up and I was able to participate in sport and music in my community. But a lot of young people who are blind or vision impaired don’t have the same choices as I had,' commented Robbie.

'People with sight loss want to be able to fully participate in life and be independent but they have a lot of hurdles to overcome to do that. I’ve seen first-hand the difference that NCBI makes in helping people to break down those barriers.”
 
Chris White, chief executive of NCBI, said: “It’s an honour to have Robbie come on board as an NCBI ambassador. The people we work with show great determination and strength on a daily basis – qualities that Robbie displays regularly on the pitch.

“We are delighted that he is willing to give up his time so generously to support NCBI’s work with people with sight loss.”
 
NCBI is Ireland’s national charity working for the rising number of people affected by sight loss.

According to Census 2011, there are currently 51,718 people living with sight loss in Ireland. The charity’s practical and emotional advice and supports help 8,000 people and their families face their futures with confidence every year.

NCBI works with 1,058 people with sight loss in Westmeath from its Midland base in Clonbrusk Resource Centre, Coosan Road, Clonbrusk, Athlone. NCBI also has charity shops in Athlone and Mullingar.
 
As a charity, NCBI must raise €4 out of every €10 it spends on vital services. Robbie will lend his support to a number of fundraising initiatives on behalf of the charity in 2017.

Tomorrow (Saturday) he will again line out for Ireland in the Six Nations as Joe Schmidt's side aims to recover from the opening day defeat to Scotland when taking on Italy in Rome.