At our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 24th August, Bill Wright stepped down after 12 years of dedicated service as Chair, Co-Chair and Trustee of Haemophilia Scotland. As one of our founders, Bill’s retirement marks the end of an era for our organisation.
It was a notable event at which Bill reflected on the early years of Haemophilia Scotland, recalling the challenges of building the organisation from a small group of passionate individuals with no funding or staff to its current status, with a membership of nearly 400 and a wide range of services available to support members.
Bill made a point of thanking sincerely those who had helped him and the organisation over the years.
Whilst Bill is retiring from his formal roles at Haemophilia Scotland, we are pleased that he will continue to lend his expertise and guidance on matters related to the infected blood inquiry, in so far as he is able as he fights his way back to good health.
In a touching presentation, John Dearden, the new Chair of Haemophilia Scotland, paid tribute to Bill’s tireless efforts. John spoke of the tremendous debt that many owe to Bill for his crusading work over more than a decade in fighting an unforgiving battle to achieve justice for those who have been infected or affected by infected blood.
John referred to the respect and admiration throughout the UK that Bill had achieved and of his work in supporting individuals who had turned to him for help.
John concluded that the trustee board were proud of the significant contribution Bill had made but were sorry that Bill was leaving. His reasons for doing so, and the importance of spending time with his wife, Rosy, and his family were well recognised.
Our warmest of wishes go with Bill and Rosy.