Mencap saddened by death of Lady Rix

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Mencap remembers Lady Rix – actress, campaigner and wife of Mencap's president Lord Rix – who has passed away

Lady Rix, a much-admired actress who was known professionally as Elspet Gray, was a great supporter of Mencap. She campaigned tirelessly to improve the lives of people with a learning disability and will be greatly missed by her many friends and admirers in the organisation and across the world of learning disability.

Donations in memory

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Lady Rix, her family has asked that these are made to Mencap.

Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive, said: "It is so sad to hear of Lady Rix’s death. Lord and Lady Rix made a formidable team in their determination to change the lives of people with learning disabilities. She was, in her own way, just as involved with Mencap and the wider issues of learning disability as Brian and was a powerful advocate and campaigner.

"Elspet made a real difference, in a world where few people really do. We will work hard to ensure that her legacy of campaigning and care will continue.

"Our thoughts go out to Lord Rix and the rest of the family at this very difficult time."

A devoted mother

Lord and Lady Rix’s work for people with learning disabilities began after their daughter Shelley was born with Down’s syndrome in 1951. Shelley sadly died in 2005.

Starting with their devotion to Shelley, but going far beyond, Lord and Lady Rix blazed a trail in creating modern, high quality services and opportunities that benefited many people, and in raising expectations about what people with a learning disability can do.

As Elspet Gray, Lady Rix appeared in long running TV series such as Blackadder and Fawlty Towers and in many films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Make a donation to Mencap in memory of Lady Rix