National Law Firm Offers Support To Barnard Castle Hopeful

A teenage athlete from County Durham who has been selected to represent England at a major upcoming event has received a funding boost from Irwin Mitchell as part of the law firm’s continued commitment to promoting the benefits of being active.

India Oates, 15, from Barnard Castle, competes in the T35 running category and has enjoyed plenty of success in British athletics competitions, with her performances leading to her being featured on the highly-regarded Power of 10 rankings.

She has now been called up to represent Team England at the prestigious 2018 CPISRA World Games in Spain and Irwin Mitchell has donated £500 which will go towards funding her trip, expenses and kit.

The law firm is giving India the financial support as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative to highlight the benefits and encourage participation in disability sport, which is backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner and medical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

Expert Opinion

“As a firm we have always been committed to backing important local causes and Don’t Quit, Do It has given us a great chance to put a spotlight on some of the great young sporting talent emerging across the UK.

“We are delighted to lend India this support, as she perfectly embodies the idea of our campaign and the huge benefits that sport can provide. We would like to wish her every success in the upcoming games and beyond.” Angela Kirtley - Partner

India’s mother Sue Oates added: “We are so proud of India and everything that she has achieved with her running so far.

“Having the opportunity to represent Team England is a massive moment for India.  CP Sport, who put huge resources into the U.K. running programme, are unable to financially support the athletes competing in Spain, so this donation from Irwin Mitchell will prove to be invaluable as we look to help India to achieve her dream.”

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, the firm was also the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships in London last year and a supporter of the Superhero Series held at Dorney Lake in Windsor in August.

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