Daisy Inclusive UK CEO Dave Kelly says Chris McCausland has inspired him and the sight loss community after the comedian became the first blind winner of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Liverpudlian, 47, beat fellow finalists Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill to the glitter ball trophy on Saturday evening.
Dave, who went blind at the age of 30, says he has been blown away by Chris’s Strictly triumph with dance partner Dianne Buswell.
“Chris McCausland has been an absolute inspiration to me throughout his journey on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m delighted that he has won the competition,” said Dave.
“Chris winning Strictly has shattered misconceptions of being blind as well as inspiring the visually impaired community to challenge societal limits.
“It is such an inspiring moment for the blind community and shows us all that barriers can be broken. Chris’s victory highlights that there are no limits to what people can achieve, whatever the disability they might have.”
Dave set up Daisy in 2004, a Liverpool-based charity which helps disabled and vulnerable people reach their true potential. This year, the charity celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the organisation continues to go from strength-to-strength under his stewardship.
“Chris’s victory is a landmark moment for everyone who has a disability and illustrates that there are no barriers to creativity and determination,” said Dave.
“Dianne, his dance partner, did a tremendous job with Chris, and she is a shining example of how we should all be open-minded, conscientious and accommodating towards those with disabilities.”
Chris was 22 when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that causes progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of cells in the retina.
This rare eye disease slowly diminishes the retina’s function, leading to a gradual loss of sight.
Everyone at Daisy Inclusive UK applauds Chris and Dianne on their Strictly Come Dancing victory.
