Richard C Brown MBE

Richard has always loved stories. 

At 14, he was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a progressive and incurable neurological condition. Devastated, he dropped out of school and soon began his exceptional journey. Earning a diploma with the Open University enabled him to study Modern History at Oxford Brookes University. He became a Student Leader and enjoyed a fulfilling career in Local Government across Oxfordshire and in Birmingham, working in Equalities, until his retirement in 2012. 

After his unexpected retirement, he returned to study creative writing with the Open University and has an impressive collection of short stories and posts on his award-winning blog. He has enjoyed a long-standing association with Ataxia UK, undertaken a wide variety of volunteering roles in Oxfordshire and has helped setup and run several charities. Richard was awarded an MBE for services to Disability and to his Community in the New Year’s Honours list 2021. He was nominated for inclusion on Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 list 2024 (the UK’s 100 most influential Disabled People). Now 48, he lives in Oxfordshire with his Wife, Helen, their two children, Bella and Billy, and their dog, Treacle.