The Brain Charity

A Liverpool road has been named in honour of Sir Bert Massie, a disability rights campaigner who was key in securing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. 

Sir Bert was The Brain Charity’s Patron, and supported the organisation’s work until he passed away in 2017.  

As our Patron, Sir Bert regularly attended our Liverpool headquarters and took an active interest in the work the charity did to support those with neurological conditions. 

He was renowned for his campaigning work and was instrumental in setting up the Equality and Human Rights Commission – the public body which enforces equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Sir Bert was appointed OBE in 1984, advanced to CBE in 2000, and knighted in 2007 for services to disabled people. 

Liverpool City Council has recognised his work by naming a road in Knotty Ash ‘Sir Bert Massie Way’ in his honour. The road leads to a new housing scheme with homes designed to Lifetime Standard, making them easily adaptable at minimal cost. 

The road name was unveiled by his wife Lady Maureen, Liverpool City Council Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Councillor Barbara Murray.  

Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, said:

“Sir Bert Massie was a key figure in effecting great change for the rights of those we support at The Brain Charity. We are proud to have worked with him as our Patron and to see his life’s work recognised.  

“This gesture is a fitting lasting tribute to the incredible work he did, in a city he clearly loved.”