Robbie Henshaw with NCBI service users Jack McCarthy from Navan and brothers Harry and Tadhg Hilliard from Slane.

Robbie teams up with National Council for the Blind

Published: Mon 13 Feb 2017, 3:59 PM

Last updated: Mon 13 Feb 2017, 4:01 PM

Irish international rugby player Robbie Henshaw has become an ambassador for the National Council for the Blind (NCBI), with the support of his new forwards for the day - Meath boys Jack, Harry and Tadhg. Robbie met the three boys, who are NCBI service users, Jack McCarthy (4) from Navan and brothers Harry (8) and Tadhg (12) Hilliard from Slane, as he kicked off his campaign to support to the charity and its vital fundraising work throughout the year.

NCBI’s work in ensuring that people with sight loss have the same rights and opportunities as others is what attracted Westmeath native and Leinster player Robbie to the charity.

“I had so many opportunities growing up and I was able to participate in sport and music in my community,' he said.

'But a lot of young people who are blind or vision impaired don’t have the same choices as I had. 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.”

According to Chris White, CEO of NCBI: “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 1658 people with sight loss in Meath from its North-East base in Louth, 14 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk. NCBI also has a charity shop in Navan.

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.