A NORTH east Wales man recognised for his dedication to supporting people with learning disabilities will be attending the King's Coronation.

Professor Alexander Toogood, known as Sandy, will be present at this weekend's historic event at Westminster Abbey. 

Sandy, an Honorary Professor at Bangor University’s School of Education and former senior lecturer in Behavioural Analysis, was given a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2021 for services to people with intellectual disabilities.

Sandy, who lives in Pwll-glas, near Ruthin, leads on Clinical and Behavioural Services at Abbey School, a leading-edge school in Chester for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

He said: “Education has been key to unlocking the potential in people with intellectual disabilities and in society as a whole. Much remains to be done, however, and I am delighted to receive this award on the way to a better future for us all.”

He joined Bangor University after moving to Wales in 1989. He was appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow while working in the NHS on developing clinical and behavioural support services. He gained a PhD in behavioural psychology in 1996 before later, as Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, helping to establish and teach the first BACB approved course sequence (MSc in ABA) in Europe.

During the 1980s Sandy contributed substantially to the development of the now globally renowned system of Active Support (enhancing quality of life and independence through participation in activity) before becoming deputy leader of the pioneering Special Development Team (a prototypical model for PBS services).

Denbighshire Free Press: Sandy's invitation. Sandy's invitation. (Image: User generated content)

Sandy, who has worked in Wrexham and Flintshire during his career, has been key figure in the development and dissemination Positive Behaviour Support in the UK and internationally and was made Honorary Professor within the College of Human Sciences in 2018.

Professor Carl Hughes, Head of School at the School of Education, Bangor University said: “Sandy has tirelessly worked for people with intellectually disabilities throughout his whole career.

“It is difficult to quantify the impact Sandy has had with his clinical and academic work and his teaching. He has been an inspiration to hundreds of students over the years, and it is an absolute pleasure to count him as a mentor and friend.”

Sandy has received the invitation to attend the Coronation of King Charles III in recognition of his service to people with learning disabilities.

He added: "Receiving an invitation to Westminster Abbey for such an historic occasion was indeed a huge surprise. It is an enormous privilege that will stay with me for the rest of my life."