FRANK Hilton, the founder of the Hilton Special School in Suva, turned 92 yesterday.
The man with a big heart has spent most of his life fighting for the needs of children and people living with disabilities. And he shows no signs of slowing down.
Mr Hilton's birthday celebration was attended by teachers, school children and parents. He came to Fiji in 1967 and contributed immensely to the development of special education in the country.
Mr Hilton's life's work has been commemorated through his various contributions to this special group in our society, and received international and local recognition over the years. He said his journey in the past 92 years had been a most rewarding experience.
"Children with disabilities need special care and should be accepted in the community because they can contribute in many ways," Mr Hilton said.
He drew attention and awareness to the plight of people living with disabilities and created an environment which now enables those living with disabilities to receive better education and general wellbeing.
The Fiji Times has also been associated with Mr Hilton and the Hilton Special School for many years.
Publisher Hank Arts thanked Mr Hilton for his work and gave $1000 to the Hilton Special School.
Mr Hilton was also the founding committee member of The Fiji Sixes, a charity game that was run by The Fiji Times.
The Fiji Sixes established on July 4, 1977 is famous for helping the needy and provided assistance for medical, cancer and prosthetic limbs for amputees, to name a few.