Irwin Mitchell Provides Support As Part Of Don’t Quit, Do It Initiative

A talented paraclimber from Guisborough who represents Great Britain in the discipline has received a funding boost from Irwin Mitchell as part of the national law firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting disability sport.

Joanna Newton, 51, is a left leg amputee and has enjoyed a range of success in the AL2 category of paraclimbing, including finishing fourth in the IFSC Paraclimbing Cup which was held in France in July.

Now, as she gears up to represent Great Britain in the Paraclimbing World Championships in Innsbruck in September, she has received a £350 grant from Irwin Mitchell which she has put towards a facility that allows her to train at home.

Joanna, who has a 10-year-old son, is supported by local climbing walls but due to her parenting and work commitments her free time for training is limited. Having a training facility at her home allows her to train late at night and early in the morning.

The law firm has provided the funding as part of its ongoing Don’t Quit, Do It initiative, which aims to highlight the benefits of disability sport and provide support to talent in a range of disciplines. The campaign is backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Fran Mayes, a legal expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

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“Our campaign has given us a great opportunity to lend a hand to some of the incredible sporting talent based across the country.

“Joanna is a true inspiration and a clear example of the huge benefits that disability sport can have. We are delighted to be able to lend her some support and want to wish her all of the best for her upcoming competitions.” Fran Mayes - Partner

Joanna Newton, who works fulltime as a Process Technology Manager at the Centre for Process Innovation, added: “Paraclimbing is an incredible sport and I am delighted to be able to compete in it. Participating in this activity has changed my life and I am hugely proud to be able to represent Great Britain.

“This support from Irwin Mitchell is fantastic and it is great to see such an organisation recognise and promote the importance of disability sport and the difference it makes to so many lives.”

The Don’t Quit, Do It grant programme from Irwin Mitchell offers individuals, disability sport charities and groups an opportunity to apply for help with the cost of training, equipment or participation in major events. Since its launch it has provided more than £50,000 to a range of different projects in the UK.

Irwin Mitchell is a proud supporter of disability sport and has partnerships with the England Amputee Football Association, Boccia England and a host of other related organisations. Furthermore, last year the firm was the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships in London and is also a supporter of the Superhero Series, which was recently held at Dorney Lake in Windsor.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It campaign.