NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF THE U.K.

“Support the Voice of Blind People”

Charity No. 236629 (EnglandWales), SC040134 (Scotland)

PRESS STATEMENT – IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blind people present prestigious award to long standing blind member

The UKcampaigning organisation – National Federation of the Blind, at their AGM on 10 September 2011, presented the prestigious “Grimshaw" award to Mr Hans Cohn MBE, in recognition of his lifetime success as a blind person with severe hearing loss. The Federation’s Executive Council made this award on the recommendation of its Essex and Southend Branch.

Ms Emily Brothers, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:

“It gives me much pleasure to present this award to Hans in recognition of his lifetime work and achievement on behalf of blind and partially sighted people. Having travelled by kinder transport to escape Nazi Germany, Hans secured an education and became a longstanding well respected physiotherapist in private practice.”

Ms Brothers added:

“As Hans stands down as General Secretary, I am pleased to welcome Val Humphries as his successor.

“It has also been rewarding to present prizes to Mr Peter Wilkins for editing the Listening Eye tape magazine which brings great enjoyment to many blind people.

“Our Leeds Branch was recognised with the President’s Cup for their work to campaign against local cuts in the city, particularly the Shire View Centre which provided rehabilitation and peer support.

“My own branch in London received two well deserved awards for fundraising with benefit to national activities and improved membership, strongly facilitated by some of very committed sighted associated members.”

Notes to Editors

1. The National Federation of the Blind was set up in 1947 to represent the interests of blind and partially sighted people on a wide range of campaigns.

2. The Grimshaw Award is presented annually either to a blind or partially sighted person with some particular achievement to her/his name or to a person who has contributed significantly to the welfare of blind or partially sighted people.

3. Mr Hans Cohn is a long standing member of the Federation’s London branch. He has served in various capacities at local and national level. He was the editor of the Federation’s former external publication “Viewpoint” for 24 years and was General Secretary for the past 21 months.

For further information, please contact:

Mrs Jill Allen-King OBE

NFB Public Relations Officer
Email:

Tel: 01702 477899

Mobile: 07850 515100

National Federation of the Blind of the UK

Sir John Wilson House

215 Kirkgate

WakefieldWF1 1JG

Email:

Tel: 01924 291313

Fax: 01924 200244

Issued: 16 September 2011

PR-130