Becker (pictured top left) brings 15 years of experience in the communications and marketing sector to the table, as well as experience with helping organisations such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the European Parliament and Commission and one of the world's largest medical research charities to develop and implement positive strategies.

"I am passionate about the positive impact of physical activity on quality of life," she said of her appointment.

"I have seen the difference this has made to my brother, who has autism; being able to participate in activities like going to the gym and swimming have really helped improve his mental and physical health and emotional wellbeing.

"EFDS has a fantastic mandate to improve opportunities for disabled people to participate in sport at every level.

"This is also a very big challenge as there are many barriers to participation such as accessibility, cost, support from the wider community and the confidence of disabled people and the people supporting them to participate.

"I am looking forward to helping EFDS in its efforts to enable disabled people to have the same choices as everyone else when it comes to being active and taking part in sport."

Williamson (pictured top right) enjoyed a glittering decade-long career competing for Great Britain in the pool, winning six Paralympic medals and five world titles before announcing her retirement in 2011.

Six-time Paralympic swimming medallist Fran Williamson has been appointed to the EFDS Board as a non-executive director

She has recently started taking her coaching qualifications and serves as a mentor with the Youth Sports Trust among work with various charities.

"I'm delighted to be joining the EFDS Board, and to be able to put my skills, knowledge and passion for disability sport to constructive use," she said.

"I look forward to working with the board to help to ensure that the potential of a post-Games disability sport legacy becomes a reality.

"Having started my competitive sporting career in EFDS events, it is great to be able to now give back as a board member."

EFDS chairman Charles Reed welcomed the new appointments.

"We are always seeking to expand the range of skills and experience we have at Board level in EFDS," he said.

"Rashmi and Fran bring particular qualities and I look forward to working with them to improve and increase opportunities in sport for disabled people."

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