Daniel Ruscoe Represents CFDN at Mayoral Robing Ceremony in Redbridge

On Wednesday, 15th May 2025, our Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Ruscoe, proudly attended the official Mayoral Robing Ceremony at Redbridge Town Hall. He represented the Catholic Fellowship Disability Network (CFDN) as one of the chosen mayoral charities for 2025.

Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Beverly Brewer

Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Beverly Brewer and Deputy Mayor Cllr Joe Hehir

Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Beverly Brewer and Daniel Ruscoe, CEO of the CFDN

A Historic Ceremony

The evening marked the formal appointment of Cllr Beverley Brewer as The Worshipful Mayor of Redbridge. Alongside her, Cllr Joe Hehir was elected as Deputy Mayor. We extend our warmest congratulations to both on their new civic roles. We also thank Mayor Beverley for her ongoing support and dedication to disability inclusion within the borough.

CFDN's New Chapter

CFDN is honoured to have been selected as one of the Mayor’s three chosen charities for the year ahead. We share this recognition alongside Redbridge Foodbank and the Friday Evening Swimming Group. This partnership means a lot to us. It helps shine a light on our mission to support people with disabilities.

Our CEO, Daniel Ruscoe said;

“It was an honour to represent the Catholic Fellowship Disability Network at the Mayoral Robing Ceremony. To see our members, Mark and Paul, appointed as the first people with autism and learning disabilities to serve as Mayor’s Escorts in Redbridge was deeply moving and historic. This is more than a gesture — it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, visibility, and dignity for people with disabilities.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Beverley Brewer for selecting CFDN as one of her chosen mayoral charities. Her continued support means so much to our community. I look forward to working together this year to ensure that every person, regardless of ability, feels supported, seen, and celebrated across Redbridge.”

A Mayor Who Champions Inclusion

Mayor Beverley Brewer is no stranger to CFDN. She has been a long-standing supporter of our charity. Her passionate advocacy for people with disabilities makes her appointment as Mayor a milestone. This is significant not only for her family and the borough, but also for disability visibility in public life.

Embracing Public Life

In her address, which was shared on the Redbridge Council website, and during the Redbridge Annual General Meeting, Mayor Beverley stated:

“I want to raise the profile of our Borough and I will do my best for the people of Redbridge. I am extremely proud and honoured and thank you for bestowing this honour on me.”

Her commitment to represent the disability community, along with the appointment of her two sons as Mayoral Escorts—who live with learning disabilities and autism—is commendable. Under her leadership, Redbridge is set to continue championing equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Representation Matters

During the evening, we celebrated a historic moment for our members. Mark and Paul, who have both been supported by CFDN for many years, were appointed as Mayor’s Escorts. This momentous occasion marks them as the first people with autism and learning disabilities to ever serve in this role in Redbridge. This powerful act of representation sends a clear message: disability inclusion is not only welcome in civic life; it is essential.

Community, Networking, and Collaboration

The event provided an important opportunity to engage with fellow charity leaders and community champions. Our CEO met with representatives from Redbridge Foodbank, a vital organization tackling local food poverty, and the Friday Evening Swimming Group, which provides inclusive sporting activities for disabled individuals.

Building Collaborative Relationships

We look forward to collaborating with both organizations throughout the year. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to serving Redbridge’s diverse communities. Together, we aim to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for everyone.

Looking Ahead

As a mayoral charity, CFDN will work alongside the Mayor’s Office and local stakeholders for the betterment of our community.

We are excited for the year ahead and grateful for the recognition this brings to our members, volunteers, and the wider disability community.

📌 Find out more:

• About The Mayor of Redbridge

• Visit Redbridge Foodbank

• Learn about Friday Evening Swimming Group

• Join us at www.cfdn.org.uk/membership