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

'James Bond' (aka Steve Myall from The Mirror) riding a TGA Supersport from Mobility and Comfort, Bognor Regis

James Bond on a budget: Skyfall being filmed in Bognor Regis after cuts (via The Mirror)

His car’s an Aston Martin, his martini is shaken not stirred and his suit’s perfectly tailored – but perhaps not for much longer.

James Bond producers have had to slash their budget and are shooting in Bognor Regis after scrapping plans to head for six different exotic countries to make the next 007 film Skyfall.

Instead of distant locations such as India, China and Bali, they are using various UK beaches. Skyfall will also rely heavily on special effects and advanced sets at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

A source said: A source said: “To say some of the cast and crew are a bit gutted is an understatement. “Originally six different countries were selected to film certain scenes but after several technical and financial problems, it was decided to scale back and just use Turkey as the sole foreign location.

“As well as Pinewood’s incredible facilities, the UK has an array of amazing, untapped resources, and some stunning beaches particularly along the south coast and parts of Wales.

“While Bognor is hardly the most exotic of locations, it is important for the franchise that they support British industry, and give something back.

“Everyone is confident this will be one of the best Bonds ever.”

After repeated delays, filming began two months ago – with Daniel Craig, 43, as Bond for a third time – and it is due for release in November. Scenes have also been shot at London’s Charing Cross and Canary Wharf. Craig is the sixth actor to play the British spy on the big screen, taking over from Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan. His first outing, in Casino Royale, was the most successful installment in the franchise’s 48-year history, taking £385mn at the global box office.

Savings Bond – Steve Myall (from The Mirror) as 007 in Bognor

So James Bond has been hit in the holster by the dire world economic problems and has had to cut his cloth accordingly. To help with a few ideas I put on my Moss Bros dinner suit and headed to Bognor Regis in West Sussex to create Dr No (Money). It was quieter than a Walther silencer so for a bit of action I headed to an arcade shoot ’em up. Next on the beach I tried out a few iconic poses but as it is a family resort I swapped the trademark gun for a stick of rock.

The pace isn’t exactly fast among the retirement heaven so no need for the Aston Martin – instead I borrowed a TGA Supersport scooter from Mobility and Comfort.

Local Susanne Donnelly said: “You don’t look anything like Daniel Craig. Are you the budget version?” Exactly. I then tried out some fitness equipment in West Park, as I need to lose a few pounds to fit into my trunks.

After checking the beach huts for foes I headed for my hotel – Butlin’s. But Moneypenny had made a mistake – it was closed. I wanted to try out the state of the art telescope on the beach but was stymied – Q hadn’t sewn any 50p pieces into my luggage.

Hungry I went searching for champagne and caviar for two – no dice – and ended up with chips and tea at the Beach Restaurant. Finally time for a proper drink – a budget alcopop in a seaside pub – more A View to a Hangover than A View to a Kill.

The TGA Supersport

Designed to reflect the characteristics of a motorcycle, the TGA Supersport provides a visual statement along with rugged performance. One of the more established products from TGA, the Supersport has an impressive and trusted heritage for stability, manoeuvrability and the capability to handle most off road situations. Whether providing independence in town or in rural settings, the owner has the advantage of a top speed of 12km/h (8mph), a range of 32km (20miles) and a high ground clearance of 125mm (5”). If further distance is required then batteries can be upgraded to heavy duty versions which then provide a range of up to 48km (30miles). The Supersport will transport a user weighing up to 160kg (25stone) and is capable of negotiating a 21% incline. The Supersport is available in two finishes either in aqua marine or black and chrome with a long chassis and extra wide seat versions available. Optional accessories include a lockable rear box, sun canopy and second rear view mirror.

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!”

Tilly new book – ‘Tilly Smiles – The story so far…” will raise funds for The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Etac Balder F280 Junior powerchair owner Tilly Griffiths, 11 from Leek in Staffordshire, is a truly remarkable young lady who despite having Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has just launched her new book ‘Tilly Smiles – The story so far…’ to raise funds for The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (JTSMA).

Tilly Griffiths lives life to the full and has achieved so much to raise funds for fellow children living with disability whilst inspiring them all with her positive and dynamic attitude. Even though Tilly has SMA, which is a progressive neuromuscular disease, she enjoys life and “would not be herself” without her Etac Balder F280J powerchair. Supported by loving parents, Jackie and Rolf along with older sister Candice, Tilly has just written a new picture-led autobiography to raise direct funds for The JTSMA. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Trust provides support and information to families, individuals and professionals involved with SMA whilst promoting research into causes, treatments and eventually a cure.

Tilly has a very busy school and social life that includes solo sailing, dance, theatre and supporting the JTSMA. This charity work has led to the launch of ‘Tilly Smiles’ with a view to raising essential funds for the JTSMA so that other families affected by SMA can be supported. Tilly’s book is beautifully illustrated with images from her life showing many of the lucky experiences she has been able to enjoy which include safari trips to Africa and skiing in Austria, through to meeting celebrities and auctioning her works of art for charity. Jackie Griffiths explained: “When our very young daughter was diagnosed with SMA, it was difficult to see what incredible joys and delights lay ahead for our family. With Tilly we have written this new book to bring hope and optimism into the lives of families living with a serious diagnosis such as SMA. Tilly has no fear of the future and this new photomontage book, which also contains her poems, reflects such a positive outlook on life, which hopefully will inspire many less able children and their parents.

Tilly’s new book has been especially designed for children to read easily and enjoy the many fun pictures. Throughout the pages, Tilly can be seen in her Etac Balder powerchair that has helped her achieve so much since the age of four. Designed and built by Etac’s Scandinavian powerchair division, the electric wheelchair has an extensive range of movements and amongst the highest levels of functionality available in the world today. Whether Tilly needs to manoeuvre easily around her home or into the family car, sit comfortably at a table or reach up high or bend down low, Etac Balder powerchairs have the ability to ensure Tilly is empowered at home, school and during leisure time.

The design team at the Caudwell Children’s charity worked closely with Tilly to produce her book and it was published by the JTSMA. Tilly added: “I would like to thank so many people for helping me launch my book from my nursery teacher who initially gave me the idea through to my family, friends, Caudwell and The Jennifer Trust. Without their help and my Etac Balder powerchair, I would never have been able to enjoy such a smile-filled life so far. My powerchair lets ‘me’ be ‘me’ and without it I’m sure I would be lost. I have so many plans for the future and I hope my new book fills other children with belief that you can experience a really rewarding life when living with SMA.”

Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director concluded: “Etac Balder junior powerchairs improve the lives of many children across the UK living with SMA through market-leading functionality, reliability and comfort. Tilly’s Balder is ergonomically and robustly designed so it meets all her daily demands and it gives us great pleasure to follow her outstanding achievements. Bearing in mind Tilly and her family’s fantastic pro-active attitude, I’m sure this new book will be a success.”

Tilly new book – ‘Tilly Smiles….The story so far’ is available from The Jennifer Trust at a cost of £10 per copy and can be ordered by visiting: www.jtsma.org.uk/product170.html. Alternatively, Tilly’s latest news can be found at: tilly-house.blogspot.com.

Follow Etac UK on Twitter: @etacuk

Tim Ross, TGA National Sales Manager, accepts the BHTA Team of the Year Award 2011 from Angela Rippon (right) and Liz Virgo, Naidex Event Director (left).

TGA, the leading UK mobility scooter specialist, is delighted to announce that it has been presented with the prestigious title of Team of The Year Award 2011 for exceptional customer service at the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) Annual Awards Dinner held at the Tower Hotel, London, on 1 December.

TGA is a family-run business based in Sudbury, Suffolk, with a proven reputation for providing quality mobility products and the highest levels of service for over 25 years. Its caring and friendly ethos towards end users living with restricted mobility has resulted in the business being awarded this accolade following customer comments such as: “very helpful and extremely patient”, “charming and confident in their knowledge of products and my disability” and “very good at explaining and not pushy”. The TGA customer service team was deemed by the BHTA to be clearly friendly, supportive, professional, customer-focused and care-driven. In all, seven TGA team members were mentioned specifically in terms of providing exceptional service and included the Showroom Retail Manager, Simon Bensilum and Arwen Wilson, Customer Services Manager.

The BHTA now represents over 450 UK companies with many members representing the largest and most influential businesses within the healthcare industry. Every member company, such as TGA, agrees to abide by the BHTA Code of Practice. It is the only one in the industry to have achieved full approval from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The ceremony was hosted by the glamorous Angela Rippon and around 250 leading figures within the healthcare market attended the event, all of whom witnessed presentations in recognition of outstanding product design, customer service and team performance. TGA Mobility was awarded with the Team of the Year Award 2011 and Tim Ross, National Sales Manager, accepted the coveted trophy on behalf of the whole business. Tim commented: “Being presented with this award, particularly in front of so many fellow members of the industry, was a real achievement and reflects all the hard work delivered by everyone at TGA. We fully understand that not only do our customers need carefree independence with total peace of mind, but also the quality of our products, impartial advice, personalised assessments and after sales support must be without equal. Carefully listening to the specific needs of end users and hence supplying the perfect solution for individual lifestyles, is without doubt one of the key factors that sets TGA apart from other mobility scooter suppliers. We really do care about our customers which many businesses state these days but unfortunately do not deliver on their promises.”

Tim concludes: “In addition to this, TGA fully supports the work of the BHTA and is committed to improving standards across the whole industry. Focusing on OFT recommendations is crucial and TGA believes visible and honest pricing to be one of the main factors that must be addressed. The whole TGA team is absolutely delighted with this accolade and on a personal level, I feel privileged to be associated with this award.”

Ray Hodgkinson, Director General of the BHTA, congratulated Tim and the TGA team and added that the award was richly deserved. “The awards we present each year are given only after a rigorous process involving a panel of judges and the winners represent excellence in what is an important and growing marketplace.”

1. Tilly new book – ‘Tilly Smiles – The story so far…” will raise funds for The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy 2. Tilly Griffiths in her Etac Balder F290J powerchair on a skiing holiday in Austria

Etac Balder F280 Junior powerchair owner Tilly Griffiths, 11 from Leek in Staffordshire, is a truly remarkable young lady who despite having Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has just launched her new book ‘Tilly Smiles – The story so far…’ to raise funds for The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (JTSMA).

Tilly Griffiths lives life to the full and has achieved so much to raise funds for fellow children living with disability whilst inspiring them all with her positive and dynamic attitude. Even though Tilly has SMA, which is a progressive neuromuscular disease, she enjoys life and “would not be herself” without her Etac Balder F280J powerchair. Supported by loving parents, Jackie and Rolf along with older sister Candice, Tilly has just written a new picture-led autobiography to raise direct funds for The JTSMA. Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Trust provides support and information to families, individuals and professionals involved with SMA whilst promoting research into causes, treatments and eventually a cure.

Tilly has a very busy school and social life that includes solo sailing, dance, theatre and supporting the JTSMA. This charity work has led to the launch of ‘Tilly Smiles’ with a view to raising essential funds for the JTSMA so that other families affected by SMA can be supported. Tilly’s book is beautifully illustrated with images from her life showing many of the lucky experiences she has been able to enjoy which include safari trips to Africa and skiing in Austria, through to meeting celebrities and auctioning her works of art for charity. Jackie Griffiths explained: “When our very young daughter was diagnosed with SMA, it was difficult to see what incredible joys and delights lay ahead for our family. With Tilly we have written this new book to bring hope and optimism into the lives of families living with a serious diagnosis such as SMA. Tilly has no fear of the future and this new photomontage book, which also contains her poems, reflects such a positive outlook on life, which hopefully will inspire many less able children and their parents.

Tilly’s new book has been especially designed for children to read easily and enjoy the many fun pictures. Throughout the pages, Tilly can be seen in her Etac Balder powerchair that has helped her achieve so much since the age of four. Designed and built by Etac’s Scandinavian powerchair division, the electric wheelchair has an extensive range of movements and amongst the highest levels of functionality available in the world today. Whether Tilly needs to manoeuvre easily around her home or into the family car, sit comfortably at a table or reach up high or bend down low, Etac Balder powerchairs have the ability to ensure Tilly is empowered at home, school and during leisure time.

The design team at the Caudwell Children’s charity worked closely with Tilly to produce her book and it was published by the JTSMA. Tilly added: “I would like to thank so many people for helping me launch my book from my nursery teacher who initially gave me the idea through to my family, friends, Caudwell and The Jennifer Trust. Without their help and my Etac Balder powerchair, I would never have been able to enjoy such a smile-filled life so far. My powerchair lets ‘me’ be ‘me’ and without it I’m sure I would be lost. I have so many plans for the future and I hope my new book fills other children with belief that you can experience a really rewarding life when living with SMA.”

Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director concluded: “Etac Balder junior powerchairs improve the lives of many children across the UK living with SMA through market-leading functionality, reliability and comfort. Tilly’s Balder is ergonomically and robustly designed so it meets all her daily demands and it gives us great pleasure to follow her outstanding achievements. Bearing in mind Tilly and her family’s fantastic pro-active attitude, I’m sure this new book will be a success.”

Tilly new book – ‘Tilly Smiles….The story so far’ is available from The Jennifer Trust at a cost of £10 per copy and can be ordered by visiting: www.jtsma.org.uk/product170.html. Alternatively, Tilly’s latest news can be found at: tilly-house.blogspot.com.

Matt Hampson, ex-England rugby star signs copies of his new autobiography ‘Engage’ on the Etac stand at Naidex South, ExCeL, 19-20 October.

Matt Hampson, ex-England U21 tight-head prop officially opened Naidex South at London’s ExCeL last month in his Etac Balder F280 powerchair and then signed copies of his new autobiography ‘Engage’ written with Paul Kimmage on Etac’s stand – F12.

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 15 March 2005, Matt sustained a neck injury following a scrum collapse that resulted in a C4 spinal dislocation, paralysis from the neck down and the need for a ventilator 24/7. Throughout all of his day-to-day life he is now fully dependent on a team of carers and his world-renowned 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 Scandinavian-built powerchair with a sensitive mini-joystick operated by his chin and his ventilator is conveniently attached to the rear of the seat. Now six and half years since his accident, Matt has rebuilt his life and is busy with many worthwhile causes which include working for his charity foundation, writing for Rugby World magazine, coaching and TV commentating. He has recently launched his new book ‘Engage’ which tells Matt’s story before and after his life changing accident and was available for visitors to purchase with a signed autograph on Etac’s stand.

Matt was invited by the Naidex South organisers Emap Connect to open the ExCeL show and delivered an impressive speech as the event got under way. Matt explains: “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.”

Ian Carter, Etac UK Managing Director concluded: “Matt proved to be an outstanding ambassador and was a perfect choice to open Naidex South. Over and above Matt’s high profile presence at Naidex South, we had a positive show and received the regular high level of enquiries from end-users and OTs that is indicative of our brand reputation.”

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