Clare Sheikh

“I became involved with Scope when I developed epilepsy and learned how fundamentally even a relatively minor disability changes your perception of the world - and people's perceptions of you. I am a relentless optimist and I want everyone to share a sense of possibility - Scope helps people to do that. My cousin has Down's syndrome and was not expected to live beyond his fifth birthday. He is in his forties now - mostly because my aunt refused to accept that he should be written off.

"Recently I helped to introduce Scope to some of the UK's most powerful and well-funded marketeers and to get them to help to build Scope's brand. We are helping them to see that they are missing a huge opportunity in the market by making their products and service relevant to a group that has been marginalised and ignored. This is a great chance for businesses to differentiate themselves in crowded and competitive conditions. Increasingly people want to buy from organisations that demonstrate a genuine sense of commitment to the community. Most families will be touched by disability at some point in a generation.

"At a personal level I was also proud that my daughter donated the proceeds of her first solo art exhibition at a West End gallery to Scope. She also created an opportunity for Scope to get its message across to a cross-section of potential patrons at the opening private view.”

Clare Sheikh, Group Brand Director, Royal London

Clare was introduced to Scope through our patron Alastair Stewart OBE. With a personal connection to disability, Clare is a keen supporter of our work. She proactively creates beneficial opportunities for us and is a regular at our high-profile events. Clare also regularly secures high-value auction items for fundraising events, such as the annual Inspirations Dinner.