A MAN described as “an inspiration” has died.
Dr Richard Smith, 49, was a tireless campaigner for disabled people.
And he left a legacy both locally and nationally with his work.
Dr Smith, of Kings Mill Lane, Huddersfield, died of cancer.
He was born with cerebral palsy but never let his condition stop him.
Mr Smith held a number of posts with the health charity Scope in Huddersfield and was a board member of Connect Housing, which covers Kirklees and Leeds.
He also worked on the social work degree course at the University of Huddersfield, carrying out disability quality training and helping to interview potential students. So highly-regarded was his work that he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University.
He was brought up in Huddersfield and attended Holly Bank School at Mirfield before going on to the National Star Centre in Cheltenham.
He worked on a number of local and national projects about disability and was often consulted by Government ministers.
Dr Ruth Melville, of the university, said: “Quite simply, he was an inspiration.
“He worked with us for nine years and I have lost count of the number of tributes paid to him by past and present students and staff members.
“He not only taught social work students in his own funny way, he encouraged them to look at disability differently, to look beyond the wheelchair.”
