U2 guitarist signs-up as Mencap ambassador

Monday 06 April 2009

U2's The Edge has become an ambassador for Mencap, the UK charity that fights for the rights of the 1.5 million people living in the UK with a learning disability.

Following his appearance at Mencap's Little Noise Sessions, The Edge has signed-up to become an ambassador for learning disability charity Mencap. Invited by his cousin Ciara Evans who works for Mencap and has a learning disability, The Edge's role will involve raising funds and awareness and campaigning against discrimination.

The Edge said: "Not many people know what a learning disability is, or the challenges people with a learning disability face. I've seen how much work goes into Mencap and want to continue to see it flourish."

Ciara Evans said: "My learning disability has not stopped me from achieving my goals or getting a job, but others like me can find it hard to get paid work. I hope that Edge's support will help create more opportunities for people with a learning disability."

For more information about Mencap go to www.mencap.org.uk

-ENDS-

For more information or photography contact the Mencap press office on 020 7696 6950.

Notes to editors

Ciara Evans, one of many employees at Mencap with a learning disability, has worked for the charity as Campaign's and Celebrity Assistant since 1999. Ciara is also a Mencap spokesperson and has appeared on More4 News, BBC radio, Take a Break magazine and Sainsbury's Magazine.

The Edge and Ciara are first cousins. As Ciara explains: "We have a very close relationship, and we have lots in common such as our love of music and arts. Through our relationship Edge has a really good understanding of what a learning disability is."