My husband, Andrew Crooks, who has died aged 57, was known for his fierce commitment to social justice and equality. Described by colleagues as a “disability warrior” who fought the structures and systems that maintain ableism, Andrew worked in fundraising and campaigning roles in the voluntary sector for nearly 30 years.
Andrew was born in Bothwell, South Lanarkshire, the youngest of six children of Nell, a nurse, and Jim, a toolmaker. At the age of 11, Andrew was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy, a progressive condition that also affected his oldest brother, Alex. His parents, determined to make life easier for all those affected and motivated by their Christian conviction, were founding members of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in Lanarkshire.
