FIONA TO LEAD TRUSTEES
20 February 2008
Broadcaster and journalist, Fiona Ross OBE, is the new chair of trustees and takes over from Martin Cross, who will continue as a trustee. Fiona, who lives in Glasgow, was elected to the board of trustees eight years ago, becoming vice chair in 2003. During her distinguished broadcasting career she won several awards and was awarded the OBE in June 2005 for services to journalism in Scotland.
Fiona said: “Dystonia? Is that one of those new Baltic states? Sadly this is a common question, despite the fact that dystonia as a neurological condition has been around forever and the Society itself is 25 years old.
“We have come a long way in that time, from a small group of like-minded individuals to a professional organisation, determined to make life better for sufferers and carers. Whether it’s funding research or giving advice on our helpline, the Society has gained a reputation as a forceful voice.
“But that voice could be stronger. There are around 40,000 people with dystonia in the UK and yet we are relatively unknown. What we must do now is not so much put dystonia on the map, as get it off the map! When people stop reaching for an atlas at the mention of dystonia, I know we’ll have succeeded”
Martin said: “The governing documents of the Dystonia Society state that each year the trustees decide who, from amongst them, should be chairman. Having been chairman for over three years I decided this year, after careful thought, that whilst I was happy to remain as a trustee, it was time for someone else to take the chair.
“In the nearly 25 years since the Society was formed, it has been served by a number of chairmen and I have had the pleasure of meeting several of them. At each change the work of the Society has seamlessly gone forward and now, as Fiona Ross takes the role, the seamless continuity will remain. Fiona will, I am sure, do the same job very well.
The Society is well served by excellent staff who have given me great assistance and support. I look forward to working with them all in the months ahead, albeit in a slightly different role.