Mobility Roadshow Ambassador Jack to carry Olympic Flame

Mobility Choice, the charity that organises the Mobility Roadshow is delighted that one of its Ambassadors, 20 year old Jack Pegram, has been selected as an Olympic Torchbearer. Jack will be carrying the Olympic Flame in East London on Sunday 22^nd July, five days before the Opening Ceremony.

“We congratulate Jack on his selection, especially as we believe there were on average 11 nominations for each Torchbearer place and the selection panels faced some very tough decisions,” said Jacqui Jones, Executive Director, Mobility Choice. “We first met Jack in 2006 when his bright idea for an automatic wheel cleaner won the 12 to 14 years category in the first year of our national schools Ready Willing & Mobile competition. He later joined our panel of competition judges and has supported the Mobility Roadshow every since.”

Jack is a full-time wheelchair user. He is a second year student at Brunel University studying Sports Science and was awarded a sports scholarship. It was essential to his independence that he was able to drive. His first time behind the wheel was during a visit to the Mobility Roadshow where he test drove three different models and spoke with a variety of specialists about the best adaptations to meet his particular needs. Three driving years later he is about to move on to his second vehicle.

A keen sportsman, Jack has represented England in the Wheelchair Football World Cup and also played badminton for England. His focus now is table tennis. He has played for GB and is a current member of the GB Development Squad. He won Silver in last year’s World Junior Championships in Dubai, competed in the British Open and plays in the first team for his university in the British Universities League.

The Mobility Roadshow 2012 takes place on 21^st 22^nd and 23^rd June at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. For more information and to register your interest in advance visit www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or call 0845 241 0390.

Nathan McWattie, Managing Director, Joerns Healthcare hands over cheque for £457 to Elinor Eustace, Corporate and Partnership Manager, Acorns.

Staff at Joerns Healthcare, the Worcestershire  based supplier of specialist patient handling equipment have raised over £457 from their Christmas raffle for the Acorns Children’s Hospice Charity.

Included amongst the prizes in the Joerns Christmas draw were champagne, wine, chocolates, gift vouchers, hampers and cuddly toys plus match tickets for Aston Villa and the Worcester Warriors.

These gifts were kindly donated by businesses involved with Joerns such as Clipper Logistics, iDIS Creative Marketing, Hyspec, Stuart Law, Nova Print, Traffic Marketing and Communications as well as the company’s own staff.

Commenting on the Acorns donation, Joerns Marketing Manager Tom Bulpitt said: “We are really pleased to be making this contribution to the Acorns Children’s Hospice, our designated local charity. The care they provide for children and young people with life limiting or threatening conditions is simply incredible. I should also like to take this opportunity to thank our business partners who kindly donated the raffle prizes and of course all the staff here at Joerns who took part and bought the raffle tickets.”

On receiving the cheque, an equally delighted Elinor Eustace, Corporate and Partnership Manager at Acorns remarked: “What better way could there be to start a new year? We are extremely grateful to the management and staff at Joerns Healthcare for organising this raffle and raising the money. We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and at a time when we know everyone is facing increased financial pressure; donations like this are more welcome than ever.”

Joerns

An internationally respected organisation with a history dating back to 1889, Joerns have offices located in the UK, the United States, Canada and the Netherlands, with key partners in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Australia and New Zealand.  Based in Pershore, Worcestershire, the UK operation is best known for their Oxford range of patient handling and rehabilitation products. With a heritage that dates back to the 1950s, the Oxford brand is characterised by a stream of revolutionary designs and innovative products.

Acorns Children’s Hospice

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides care and support for children and young people who have life limiting or life threatening conditions. Acorns is currently supporting nearly 600 children and 800 families, including those who are bereaved. Their specialist nursing and support services provide a vital lifeline for these families who would face a much tougher challenge coping alone.  www.acorns.org.uk

Mary Walker,Focus on Imaging; Jacqui Jones, Mobility Choice; Nigel Holland & Henry Butt, competition winners; Thomas Molloy, DPS Chair

Yesterday (11.01.12) the winners of the first national On the Move competition for disabled photographers received their awards from Mary Walker of Mary Walker Exhibitions, organiser of Focus on Imaging, Europe’s largest annual consumer imaging show. The event took place at Calumet Photographic’s London showroom in Drummond Street where an exhibition of selected competition entries will run until Saturday 4 February 2012, generously sponsored by Calumet. Entry is free.

Nigel Holland from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire won the over 18 years category with his Top Fuel Bike clever panning shot, and a dramatic wave splashing against a pier won Henry Butt from Peterborough the 12 to 18 years category. Both receive a Merlin Annual Pass for entry to a range of top UK attractions and a top-of-the range Calumet camera bag.

The competition is organised by The Disabled Photographers’ Society and Mobility Choice, the charity behind the annual Mobility Roadshow. Welcoming the guests and congratulating the winners, Jacqui Jones, Executive Director of Mobility Choice said the standard of entries had been very impressive. She announced that the competition will continue, with the launch of On the Move 2012 on 21 June at the annual Mobility Roadshow.

Presenting the awards Mary Walker praised the winners for their passion. “Pictures of this calibre confirm my faith in photography as an art form. I believe it is passion that defines great art and so many inspirational pictures in this exhibition exude passion.”

Details of On the Move 2012 will be available from 21 June at www.disabledphotographers.co.uk and www.mobilitychoice.org.uk.

Jon Nock, iDIS Managing Director (middle) with members of the Mobility Choice team including from left to right: Barbie Howard, Administrator; Jacqui Jones, Executive Director; Sue Butler, Event Co-ordinator; and Madeline Weatherley, Administrator

The boutique mobility and healthcare marketing consultancy, iDIS Creative Marketing, is delighted to announce its appointment by the organisers of The Mobility Roadshow, Mobility Choice, to enhance the online PR campaign for the 2012 event (The East of England Showground, Peterborough, 21-23 June).

The Mobility Roadshow is the original and only mobility event of its kind in the UK which solely focuses on the consumer. Since 1983, The Mobility Roadshow has grown to be the most comprehensive, ‘hands-on’ showcase for the end user whilst providing the unique opportunity to test, drive and compare all the latest mobility innovations under one roof. Free to visit, The Mobility Roadshow delivers a fulfilling and satisfying experience for all individuals with an interest in assistive mobility and its Executive Director, Jacqui Jones, is delighted to be working with Jon Nock of iDIS Creative Marketing once more. Jacqui comments: “Following our previous time working together, the Mobility Choice team and I felt the iDIS Managing Director, Jon Nock, was the perfect specialist to lead an enhanced online social media campaign – an area that is critical for us as the 2012 event has several new and exciting features. Working alongside Ravenstone PR on all Roadshow promotional activity, iDIS will create an online synergy with the core press campaign so we now have the capability to reach a wider audience which will benefit all Roadshow exhibitors and supporters alike. On behalf of the Mobility Choice team, we are delighted to be working with Jon again and believe his network of specialists will deliver high levels of increased awareness and an improved event experience for all.”

Jon Nock, iDIS Managing Director concludes: “To be given the opportunity to support such a well-known and established event as The Mobility Roadshow is a privilege for iDIS. The exhibition organisers Mobility Choice work tirelessly every year to ensure the Roadshow delivers a rewarding experience for consumer visitors and exhibitors. Hence I am delighted to be part of the committed campaign for 2012 and look forward to communicating all the new show features through an enhanced, tactical online initiative.”

Etac Balder powerchair owner Huw Thomas (right) jointly accepts the £50,000 prize for winning the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 with another separate businessman Rob Smith

Etac Balder F280 powerchair owner Dr. Huw Thomas, 64 from Penrhyncoch near Aberystwyth in Wales, has jointly won the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 with another separate entrepreneur Rob Smith following a glamorous ceremony held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington, London on 14 December.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou – the serial entrepreneur best known for founding EasyJet PLC at the age of 28, established the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007 and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in 2009. Now in its fifth year, this awards programme runs in association with the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity, which supports thousands of disabled people in the UK and throughout 50 other countries worldwide. As Sir Stelios explained at the launch of the award scheme: “I am very passionate about encouraging an enterprising spirit throughout British culture. Helping to remove the barriers that disabled people face in business is an important part of this. That is why I was keen to establish an award which gives disabled people an opportunity to showcase their ability rather than have them negatively judged by their disability.”

Dr. Huw Thomas who has Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and uses an Etac Balder F280 powerchair, established Promove UK in 2007 with his business partner Dana Thomas and this recent prestigious accolade reflects Huw’s hard work and dedication over the past several years. With a manufacturing facility based near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, Promove supplies specialist slings used to rescue, evacuate and transfer injured and less able people as Huw explains: “After completing my PhD and working in plant genetics for over 40 years, I decided to take early retirement at 56. However I can honestly say I ‘failed’ at this change in lifestyle and decided that I needed a new challenge! As I have severely restricted movement in both arms, I have experienced first-hand the issues associated with transfers in and out of my Balder powerchair for many years and knew a better solution needed to be conceived. My sling concept was originated back in 2005 when flight attendants were having issues with moving me into an airline seat. From my initial sketches and designs through to CE testing and finally establishing a production line, I was determined to deliver the ProMove sling to market even though my condition for some would be seen as very limiting. Living with MD is so much easier with my Balder powerchair from Etac as the three models I have owned over the past 12 years have always delivered functionality and comfort way beyond any other powerchair available today. I was one of the first people to purchase a Balder powerchair in the UK and I would recommend them to everyone with a condition such as MD.”

Huw continues: “I do face challenges every day with running my business however living with a disability has its advantages for ProMove as it provides invaluable experience and insight. I am pleased to see that this perspective has been recognized by the award scheme and my joint £50,000 prize will now be re-invested into the business so we can expand. It was a wonderful occasion; in addition to the excitement of winning the award, meeting Stelios himself and all the glitterati at the reception was quite an experience. I was able to mingle among the 200 guests in my Balder wheelchair in the raised position which made such a huge difference, being able to speak to people at eye level. The wheelchair generated almost as much interest as I did as the award winner. In addition, I would like to thank Etac for providing me with several fantastic Balder powerchairs over the years as I’m sure without them, I would not have been able to achieve all that I have, culminating in this recent award.”

Sir Stelios concluded: “I would like to congratulate Rob and Huw on running successful businesses and displaying the drive, creativity and determination to reach the top and really fly.” The Etac UK Managing Director, Ian Carter, reiterated this sentiment: “We are thrilled for Huw as he fully deserves this recognition. As one of our first customers in the UK, it is also pleasing to see how his current Etac powerchair continues to assist him in achieving so much and we wish him well with his business expansion.”

Ian Stevenson, 84 from Colchester, receives the perfect gift before Christmas in the shape of a new Breeze Midi 3 mobility scooter from TGA’s Santa Claus.

Ian Stevenson, 84, of Pretty Gate Colchester has been given the joyous gift of independence this Christmas by TGA’s Santa Claus who delivered a new all-weather Breeze Midi 3 mobility scooter to him via the new guaranteed acceptance TGA finance package.

Ian has lived in the local area for over 30 years and before retiring, his varied and successful career included being a sergeant in the Military Police, working for the Prisoner Service in Singapore and managing an office of civil servants. However over the past few years his mobility has become restricted and he was desperate to regain his independence. He had owned a scooter previously but it was not practical for his needs so he really wanted a more compact 3-wheel model so he could manoeuvre around his local shops without hassle.

Buying a new scooter outright was not an option but when he saw that TGA now offers new finance deals, he finally realised that it would be possible for him to own a new Midi 3 and called the mobility specialists in Sudbury. Ian explains: “Well, I am so delighted with the service and support I have received from TGA but I never expected Santa Claus to deliver my new scooter before Christmas! TGA are so helpful and without their new easy credit repayment scheme, I wouldn’t have been able to own the ideal scooter for me and benefit from increased independence outside of the home. Thank you TGA for really making my Christmas and good luck Santa with your further deliveries on the 25th!”

Etac Balder powerchair owner Matt Hampson, ex-England U21 tight-head prop will be officially opening Naidex South at London’s ExCeL (19 Oct, 10am) and then will be signing copies of his new autobiography ‘Engage’ written with Paul Kimmage on Etac’s Stand – F12.

Etac Balder powerchair owner Matt Hampson, ex-England U21 tight-head prop will be officially opening Naidex South at London’s ExCeL (19 Oct, 10am) and then will be signing copies of his new autobiography ‘Engage’ written with Paul Kimmage on Etac’s Stand – F12.

‘Engage’ tells Matt’s story before and after his life changing accident, which left him paralysed from the neck down, unable to breath without the aid of a ventilator. Matt will be signing copies of his book between approximately 10am and 12 noon on the Etac Stand and is delighted to be visiting Naidex South for the first time. Matt comments: “When I was approached by Etac to open the show as they have a very good relationship with the organisers Emap, I was delighted to accept. I have experienced high levels of national press interest recently following the launch of my book and this opportunity again will help raise awareness of my charity, the Matt Hampson Foundation. My charity is committed to inspiring and supporting young people seriously injured through sport and I hope my appearance at Naidex South will motivate individuals to remain positive and learn from my experiences. Over and above my continued passion for rugby, I am always keen to pass on my knowledge to people in regards to mobility products so that they can live the best life possible.”

High profile Matt Hampson nicknamed ‘Hambo’, 26 from Leicestershire, is a remarkable and inspirational individual who was a rising star in English rugby. However during a routine training session on the 15th of March 2005, Matt sustained a neck injury following a scrum collapse that would change his life forever. Matt explains: “It was a cold grey day at a Northampton training ground and we were training hard as normal. During the session we set up a scrum and were given the command to ‘engage’. The scrum came together however both teams collapsed and I took the full force of both packs on my neck, which left me unable to breath or feel my arms or legs. Following this freak accident, I spent over 17 months recovering in Stoke Mandeville Hospital before I was well enough to return home.”

Now six and half years since his accident, Matt has rebuilt his life and is busy with many worthwhile causes which include his charity work, writing for Rugby World Magazine and coaching at Oakham school. Throughout all of his day-to-day work he is fully dependent on a team of ten carers and his Etac Balder F280 powerchair, which delivers mobility, comfort and the ability to travel in an accessible vehicle via its Automatic tie-down system. Matt controls his powerchair with a sensitive mini-joystick operated by his chin and his ventilator is neatly attached to the rear of the seat. The Etac Balder F280 is a Scandinavian-built, hi-tech electric powerchair that leads the market place in terms of functionality, reliability and flexibility whilst providing superb manoeuvrability through front wheel drive and a battery range of up to 34km on one charge.

Matt continues: “The Matt Hampson Foundation which we set up in early 2011 takes up the majority of my time however I am able to continue my passion for rugby through my coaching which I feel is the next best thing to playing. Off the field, my foundation I am glad to say has already raised a substantial amount of money. In addition to the numerous high profile charity events and dinners we organise throughout the year, my new book ‘Engage’ and patrons such as my old team mate Martin Johnson, are helping to raise awareness and funds for injured young sportsmen and women. My rugby training taught me respect, discipline and control, which has given me the mental strength to tackle my new life and help as many people as possible along the way.”

Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director added: “Matt is an outstanding ambassador and is a perfect choice to be opening Naidex South. We are thrilled to be hosting his book signing session on the Etac stand. We anticipate that many Naidex South visitors will find meeting Matt face-to-face inspirational and will find reading his new book “Engage” uplifting.”

The Matt Hampson Foundation can be found at: www.matthampsonfoundation.org

Tony Harris from Bignall End is a member of the newly former ‘Breeze Brigade” and is pictured here on his new TGA Breeze S4 with his beloved Yorkshire Terrier Molly.

Molly is a 14-year-old Yorkshire Terrier owned by Tony Harris, 68 from Audley (Newcastle-under-Lyme), who can now both continue enjoying their 10-mile shopping trips together thanks to a new TGA Breeze S4 mobility scooter.

Tony Harris of Bignall End is a fantastic character that has recently purchased a new TGA mobility scooter and is a member of the newly formed ‘Breeze Brigade’. These are a group of like-minded men who all own exactly the same type of mobility scooter, a TGA Breeze, and are planning to support forthcoming local charity events alongside the local mobility specialist Amorcare. Their first fundraising appearance will be at the ‘Paint the town pink’ Breast Cancer charity event on Friday 28 October in Newcastle-under-Lyme with the Stoke City Football Club mascot ‘Pottermiss.’

Tony has owned Molly since she was only a few months old and they go everywhere together, even when a 10-mile-round shopping trip beckons as he explains: “Even though I had to have a leg amputated recently, I can still venture out of my home thanks to my TGA Breeze scooter. This is the third Breeze I have bought since 2005 as they are fantastic pieces of kit and this new S model is even better that the previous. As I am surrounded by very steep hills I would be housebound without my scooter and Molly would not have much quality of life. I’m very attached to Molly and when she is not enjoying a ride in the front scooter basket or down my jacket, I can now take here for walks with my new scooter. When the Castle market is on we regularly drive to do the shopping together which always gets people talking. So many people stop me to talk about her and also ask ‘where did you get this amazing scooter from?’ She is an essential companion for me and kind of like my TGA Breeze scooter, I’d be lost without her.”

Before retiring Tony worked for the MoD for 19 years in Telford and was always very active. With the loss of his leg, life became a lot harder though until he discovered Amorcare Mobility Stores based in Newcastle-under-Lyme High Street. Tony concludes: “Both Amorcare owners Andy and Nicky are fantastic individuals who really make a difference to many less able people around here like myself. They are never too busy to chat in their shop and will always offer you a cup of tea. It is so nice that there are still people like this around who really care about their customers and as it was Nicky’s birthday last week, Molly and I decided to go down to the shop with a bunch of flowers. I would recommend their mobility products to everyone, especially as this TGA Breeze S4 has helped Molly and I continue enjoying the outdoors together.”

With tickets kindly donated by Help for Heroes, Natasza Telfer, injured ex Lance Bombardier and her father Colonel Stephen Telfer MBE, enjoy the recent British Endurance Championships at Silverstone whilst meeting ‘Hero’ the Help for Heroes mascot.

To thank them for their military bravery, Natasha Telfer, injured ex Lance Bombardier and her father Colonel Stephen Telfer MBE of the Royal Scots, were delighted to be able to attend the British Endurance Championships at Silverstone on 2^nd October courtesy of tickets from Help for Heroes and a mobility scooter from TGA.

Natasza, 26 from Colchester, served in the British Army for seven years and was stationed all over the world, which included Germany, Canada, Cyprus and ultimately Iraq. Responsible for intelligence during the coalition’s war against Saddam Hussein, Natasza experienced front-line action, which unfortunately led to her sustaining trauma to the legs. Now living with a disabling nerve disease and needing a wheelchair and crutches to remain mobile, life in ‘Civvy Street’ can sometimes be difficult for Natasza. However she has recently gained a new job at the leading mobility specialist called TGA based in Sudbury, Suffolk. Military prowess runs in Natasza’s family as her Father was a senior commissioned officer who served for over 30 years in the Royal Scots and again was involved heavily with combat in the Gulf. Awarded with an MBE, Stephen has also served across the world and in his later career was responsible for training official military personnel in volatile countries such as Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Now taking more of an advisory role for a civilian organisation, Stephen has been involved with certain military charities such as the ABF, SSAFA and Help for Heroes.

This recent donation of Silverstone tickets by Help for Heroes and the loan of a Vita scooter and van from Natasza’s new employers TGA were just the tonic they both needed. Natasza explains: “Life for myself can be pretty tough sometimes now that I live with this disabling condition, however my new position at TGA has helped me turn a corner. The guys at TGA are so understanding of my needs and the family-run atmosphere is a real pleasure to work in. When they heard that Dad and I had been given these tickets to say thanks for our contributions to national security, the TGA team immediately offered me a new Vita mobility scooter and transporting vehicle with ramps for the day. We had a fantastic day out at Silverstone watching part of the 24 hour Britcar Championships which was thrilling to see. We met up with ‘Hero’ the Help for Heroes mascot, who was collecting on behalf of the charity along with other fundraisers and enjoyed a tour of the track, which included visiting the pits and driving the Vita on the actual Silverstone track! The orange-coloured funky Vita I was riding attracted loads of attention from many of the motor-racing fans during the day and many of them wanted one even if they had mobility problems or not! As it’s radical design is so unique, it doesn’t look like a traditional mobility scooter which really appeals to many people.

As we neared the end of the day, my Dad was pretty tired too, so he took over the controls and drove the Vita back to the van which was fun to see.”

Tim Ross, TGA National Sales Manager who recruited Natasza concludes: “After only talking to Natasza for five minutes, I knew she was a very special person. Bearing in mind what she has been through, she is so positive and is developing into a real asset for this business. We were delighted to hear that she had been given these tickets by Help for Heroes as Natasza and her father fully deserve them when you consider the sacrifices they have made. Loaning her the Vita and transporting vehicle was a real pleasure for us and it was good to be associated with Help for Heroes again, after our support of MS war hero Simon Angel £15,000 scooter fundraiser earlier in the year.”

Follow TGA on Twitter: tgamobility

Like TGA on Facebook: TGAmobility

TGA Electric Leisure Limited

TGA is based in Sudbury, Suffolk and has been a respected designer, manufacturer and provider of mobility products for 25 years with a specialty in scooters. TGA is renowned for its high quality, diverse range that includes the ever-popular Eclipse car boot scooter through to the funky cutting edge Vita and market-leading wheelchair Powerpack. As a family-run business, TGA is dedicated to quality, innovation and service with all of its products undergoing rigorous testing before delivery ensuring peace of mind and trouble free ownership.

www.tgamobility.co.uk

Mobility Choice, the charity behind the Mobility Roadshow, and The Disabled Photographers’ Society have joined forces on this new competition with the theme On the Move.

If you are disabled and a keen photographer, there’s just a few days to go to enter our competition and be in with a chance to have YOUR photographs displayed at an exhibition in London.

Mobility Choice, the charity behind the Mobility Roadshow, and The Disabled Photographers’ Society have joined forces on this new competition with the theme On the Move.

Entries are invited in three age categories – under 12s, 12-18 and over 18. Prizes include a Merlin Annual Pass for a disabled person and carer, which provides entry to a range of top UK attractions such as LEGOLAND Windsor and Madame Tussauds for 12 months, plus Calumet photographic accessories.

But hurry – the competition closes this Saturday, 15th October 2011.

Shortlisted and winning entries will be exhibited at Calumet Photographic near Euston Station in London for four weeks from 7th January 2012, with the prize giving ceremony at the same venue on 11th January.

Entry forms, terms and conditions are available at www.mobilitychoice.org.uk andwww.disabledphotographers.co.uk

Good luck!