Remembering The Baroness Wilkins of Chesham Bois
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of The Baroness Wilkins of Chesham Bois. Our long-standing former Chair of Action on Disability (formerly Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability) sadly passed away on Sunday 1st December 2024, just two days before the International Day of Disabled People on 3rd December. Our heartfelt condolences go to our former Director of HAFAD, Maria Brenton, Rosalie’s partner and great supporter, and to her immediate family and friends during this incredibly sad time.
For many years, Rosalie was well known to the local Disabled community in Hammersmith and Fulham. She was deeply involved in both local and national campaigns for Disabled people and was passionately dedicated to the work of HAFAD, which later became Action on Disability. She also served on several important committees, including the Central Health Services Council, the BBC General Advisory Council, and the Prince of Wales’ Advisory Group on Disability for eight years. Additionally, Rosalie was the President of the College of Occupational Therapists for five years.
In 1999, Rosalie was made a life peer with the title Baroness Wilkins of Chesham Bois, serving in the House of Lords until her retirement in 2015.
During the International Day of Disabled People event at the Harris Suite, Chelsea Football Club, co-hosted by Action on Disability, H&F Co-Production Matters, and Safety Net People First, we received the sad news just before the end of the final session, “Disabled Leaders Together.” It felt fitting to observe a two-minute silence to remember Rosalie and celebrate her life and achievements. She was a leader in the Disabled community, a champion for Disabled people in Parliament, a professional, and an avid gardener who found solace in her own garden, a quiet retreat from the busyness of life outside her home.
Councillor Sharon Holder, Chair of Action on Disability, states, “Although I never met Rosalie personally, I have heard so much about the incredible work she did for the local Disabled community as a leader and campaigner. With great gratitude and honour, we will remember and celebrate Ros’s immense contributions to Deaf and Disabled people, both locally and nationally. Her determination and energy shaped who we are today, and her legacy continues to inspire us to press on with the hard work needed to achieve true equity and inclusion in society.”
David Buxton OBE, Chief Executive of Action on Disability, also comments, “I am deeply saddened by this news. When I think of Ros, my first memory is of her smile and laughter during the times we spent discussing disability issues and political challenges. My last memory of her is of her holding my hands firmly in her home and urging me that Action on Disability must return to its roots as a true Disabled People’s Organisation. She reminded me that at the heart of everything is the voice of Disabled people – a voice we must listen to in order to shape a better and stronger future for AoD. My thoughts and prayers are with Maria and Ros’s immediate and close friends during this sad time. In our hearts, we know Rosalie would want us to be proud of being Disabled people and keep fighting for what we believe in: equality for all.”