Colin Powell, who contracted polio as a child, was a member of Radlett Rotary in Hertfordshire and became a Rotary GB&I Polio Ambassador in 2018.
He was a powerful storyteller and dedicated voice on the importance of polio eradication, sharing his own personal polio journey with thousands across the country and around the world.
When Colin contracted polio in 1949, aged just 6 months, there was no vaccine available. Colin devoted much of his time and energy to ensuring children born today do not have to suffer the impact of polio.
As well as championing the eradication of the disease, Colin was a strong supporter of fellow survivors living with post-polio syndrome through his work with the British Polio Fellowship, for whom he was a patron.
In 2022’s New Year’s Honours list, Colin was awarded an MBE for his services to people with polio in the UK and to the criminal justice system.
Kathleen Rose, President of Radlett Rotary, said: “We were very proud to have him in our club. For all that Colin had to put up with in his life, he was an amazing achiever. We will miss him so much.”
Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland sends its condolences to Colin’s friends and family at this time.
