Story by Rory Poulter

Alan Benson – a champion of the disabled and elderly – has been awarded Richmond's highest honour.

He has been given the Freedom of the Borough, joining other celebrated names, such as Sir David Attenborough, who have been recognised for their special service.

Council chiefs from across the political spectrum, together with local community groups, came together to celebrate Alan, who was awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours, and his campaigning efforts.

Most notably, these include his work as a Trustee for local charity, Ruils, which supports disabled children, adults, and older people to live independent lives.

Alan is a leading disability campaigner and featured on the Shaw Trust's Disability Power 100 list of the most influential disabled people.

Significantly, he also sits on the Board of Transport for All, London Travel Watch, and co-chairs the Department for Transport's Inclusive Transport Stakeholder Group.

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A Special Council meeting was held at York House, where the Leader of the Council, Gareth Roberts, proposed the motion that Alan be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

Cllr Roberts praised Alan's remarkable impact, particularly with his campaigns for accessible transport. 

He said: "Alan and the teams he works with have achieved many things for accessible transport across the city – in particular, ensuring the new Elizabeth Line was fully accessible from its first day.

"We have unanimously voted to make him an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in recognition of his achievements as an exemplary campaigner, activist, trustee and innovator and as a resident of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

"In particular, we recognise and thank him for his dedication and contribution for over a decade as an inspirational advocate for the rights of disabled and older people, and especially their right to travel freely and independently in Greater London."

Green Party leader Cllr Richard Bennett, who seconded the motion, said: "You just have to look at the roster of his achievements to see how generous he is with his time, energy and expertise.

"We are incredibly grateful that he plays such an active role in championing disabled and older people in this borough and in supporting our extraordinary voluntary sector through his work with Ruils.

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"The impact of his work is felt across our whole city and beyond, and we are proud he calls this borough home."

The borough's Disability Champion, Cllr Rob O'Carroll, added his praise, saying: "Alan is the person we should strive to be - an advocate for the betterment of all.

"A constant and tireless campaigner within the borough and across London."

Alan, who joked about having to put on a suit for the second time in his life for the ceremony, does not get any special privileges – not even the right to drive a flock of sheep across Richmond Bridge - thanked all those he works alongside for their campaigning efforts.

He said: "It's a real honour to be recognised in this way by my adopted home.

"My advocacy is rooted in the belief that breaking down the barriers faced by disabled and older people makes the world a better, more inclusive place for everyone. I'm grateful for the support I've had in the Borough from individuals, organisations like Ruils, businesses and the Council, itself which only serves to reaffirm that belief."

The Award was presented by the Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Julia Cambridge.

Alan joins a select group of Richmond greats. The honour, which is very rarely awarded, has previously gone to Sir David Attenborough and The Poppy Factory, which supports servicemen through the annual Poppy appeal.

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Previous recipients also include the founders of the Orange Tree Theatre, Auriol Smith and Sam Walters, along with rugby stars Jason Leonard, Lawrence Dallaglio and Joe Worsley.