Hilton UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Michael McGrath as disability champion to assist the group in understanding the needs of disabled guests at its 78 hotels.

McGrath, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, made history recently by becoming the first disabled person to visit both the North and South Poles. He reached the North Pole in 2002 and the South Pole on 13 January this year.

He said: “The trip to the South Pole was to highlight ability, not disability – to celebrate what people can do rather than what they can’t. It is this attitude that I will bring to my role as disability champion for Hilton.”

Wolfgang M Neuman, area president of Hilton UK & Ireland, said: “Hilton believes that disabled guests should have the same experience in our hotels as able-bodied guests wherever possible and Michael will provide us with invaluable assistance in this area.”Details: www.hiltongroup.com