ACCRINGTON Stanley shareholder Ilyas Khan has been named as the next chairman of national disability charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.
Mr Khan, 46, will succeed Sir Nigel Broomfield, who retires in September after five years.
He has been actively involved in the organisation and also supports a number of charities, including the Hong Kong Juvenile Diabetes Association and also the Stanhill Foundation, which focuses on helping young people achieve their sporting goals.
Leonard Cheshire Disability supports more than 21,000 people with disabilities in the UK in achieving their aims in life through residential, training and other support services. The charity also campaigns at local and national level in the UK and internationally through a global alliance operating in 52 countries.
Mr Khan said: "I am very honoured to be given this opportunity to contribute to the work of Leonard Cheshire Disability. The charity has built a strong reputation based on the quality of services it provides for disabled people and for being a powerful and well informed voice on their behalf. I grew up admiring Group Captain Leonard Cheshire and it’s fair to say he is one of my personal heroes. Getting a chance to join the Leonard Cheshire Disability team is, therefore, particularly pleasing."
He added: "I am joining a highly experienced and dedicated team of volunteers, professional staff and trustees, and I am looking forward to working with them, along with the disabled community, to further improve and extend our range of services."
