Sir Robin Millar was celebrated for his noble work in the sight loss sector at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) See Differently Awards, supported by People’s Postcode Lottery.   

Sir Robin Millar CBE, 72, from Tottenham, London, who has sight loss, was awarded the 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 RNIB See Differently Awards. The award recognises a person’s outstanding contributions to the sight loss sector.   

Sir Robin was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and was registered blind at age 16. RP is a genetic eye condition that affects the light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eyes, which over time, stops them from working. Sir Robin lost his sight completely at 35 years old. 

The 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, and Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer at Phonographic Performance Limited. Sir Robin and Peter have been friends and former colleagues for twenty years.

Accepting the 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award, Sir Robin said: “Initially, I felt flattered and honoured. However, when I was walking up the steps to accept my award, I suddenly realised I was in a room full of blind and partially sighted people, like myself, and I felt so humbled and emotional. There was a sense of comradeship. The RNIB See Differently Awards is a great example of how the world is moving forward to help break down those barriers faced by people with sight loss.  

“The opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in the music industry have increased over the years, thanks to technology. Charities and organisations, like RNIB, campaigning for change is what has changed the landscape. If I had to sum up tonight in three words, it would be ‘Aren’t We Marvelous!’ Thank you RNIB for this award.”

A pioneer of digital technology, he produced and arranged ‘Diamond Life’ by singer-songwriter, Sade, which included hits such as ‘Smooth Operator’. In 2010, he moved away from full-time music production to give more time to his charitable work. In light of this, Sir Robin was awarded CBE at the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his work in music, business, and dedicated campaigning. 

Sir Robin has striven to support disabled people in the UK and some of his great work includes being made the Chair Designate of disability charity Scope, after serving eight years as Global Ambassador for Leonard Cheshire Disability and serving as patron at several charities such as Campaign Against Living Miserably UK.

In March 2012, Sir Robin was the first recipient of a prototype bionic retina, part of the groundwork of possible treatment for blindness. The innovative implant had to be removed because of rejection eighteen months later, but his experience continues to provide useful information for future research.

Using his expertise as a musician, Sir Robin has industriously held fundraising concerts and events to raise funds for Oxfam, UNICEF, UNHCR, British Lung Foundation, Namibian Freedom Fighters, Artists Against Apartheid and many others. He has raised millions of pounds to date.  

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "We are delighted to support the RNIB See Differently Awards. It's a fantastic opportunity to spotlight all the great work that is happening in the sight loss sector. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners; your contributions are a shining example of how we can work together to make a life-changing impact for blind and partially sighted people."

RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: “Sir Robin has made a remarkable contribution to the sight loss sector by dedicating his time in a number of ways. We’re honoured to present him with the 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations, Robin! 

“The RNIB See Differently Awards celebrate the amazing stories and achievements of so many people and organisations who generously share their lived experience and professional knowledge.”

Bringing together a host of people across the UK, the awards recognised exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award.