JOHN CORLESS OBE (1939 – 2023)
Phab are sad to announce the death of our Patron John Corless OBE. He was 84.
Introduced to Phab by its then President Sir Cliff Richard in 1972, John passionately supported the charity’s aim that disabled people should enjoy the same rights and privileges as non-disabled people and he worked tirelessly for their equality ever since. By promoting the Phab philosophy of inclusion so widely, both locally and nationally, he helped to change the attitudes of millions in the UK towards disabled people and transformed the lives of many thousands of children and adults who have, and continue to benefit from Phab’s social activities, inclusive projects and support.
Throughout nearly 50 years of exceptional leadership of Phab (which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017) John worked tirelessly to develop Phab’s charitable work. In 1992 he disposed of his business interests to devote his time to Phab and to ensure its financial security and the successful operation of its charitable work.
He implemented imaginative fundraising initiatives raising in the region of £10 million enabling Phab to offer vital support and guidance to 100s of volunteer-run social clubs and projects benefitting over 10,000 members with a variety of disabilities and complex needs. He had been the prime organiser of over 200 events raising large funds for Phab’s work.
In 1999 he introduced the annual Phab Awards to recognise outstanding achievement by Phab’s volunteers and members and reward the significant achievements of individuals.
John also inspired volunteers who emigrated to open clubs, following the Phab ethos of inclusion, in Hong Kong, New Zealand and Israel, spending time with staff and volunteers in Hong Kong during a personal holiday in 2012 to see their achievements and to exchange ideas. He has also mentored organisations from Poland and China who sought advice on the Phab model of inclusion.
He was awarded an OBE in January 2009 for his voluntary work and in 2020, when he stepped down as Chairman, he took the role of Patron, succeeding Lord Snowdon.
Phab’s co-CEOs Mik Scarlet and Dawn Vickers said: "We are deeply grateful to John for his tireless work in enabling Phab to successfully grow over many years. We aim to honour his legacy and lead Phab to fulfil its mission to build an inclusive world, where everyone can learn, thrive and belong."
Phab's Vice President Baroness Campbell of Surbiton DBE offered the following tribute: "John was a thoroughly good human being. His unswerving dedication and enthusiasm for the continued longevity of Phab was and is a testament to his character. His legacy will thrive as Phab continues to grow and change with the times as he built the organisation on solid foundations of compassion, companionship, and generosity toward our fellow citizens. To me Phab will always be John's creation to creatively enable all people no matter what their disability to enjoy a social life of fun, adventure, holidays and a place to build friendships of their own. We will all miss him."
