Lucy Scott Attends The Superhero Tri Powered By Marvel on 17 August

On 17 August, an 11 year old with cerebral palsy from Low Fell, Gateshead will prove disability is no barrier to sport by taking part in the Superhero Tri Powered by Marvel at Dorney Lake in Windsor.

Lucy Scott was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which means she has difficulty controlling her muscles or walking unaided. Despite this, Lucy, together with two superhero sidekicks in the form of Dad Luke and Sister Molly will lead one of six teams from event sponsor Irwin Mitchell – all on a mission to promote the value and benefits of disability sport.

Now in its third year, the Superhero Tri Powered by Marvel draws heroes with a mental or physical disability from across the country. As the UK’s only disability sports series where participation is free of cut off times or equipment restrictions, 1,500 people aged 3-81 are already signed up and can compete themselves or with friends and family as sidekicks.

Irwin Mitchell is sponsoring the event in connection with their nationwide Don’t Quit, Do It campaign, which seeks to shine a spotlight on the benefits of disability sport. In the UK, 13 million people live with a disability, yet only one in eight takes part in regular sport, despite the physical and psychological benefits that come from it.

Lucy is part of six teams of 22 people with a range of ages, abilities and backgrounds and as the largest team Irwin Mitchell has sent to the event, the hope is the achievements of Lucy and her fellow superheroes will inspire others to take up the challenge themselves.

Lucy’s Dad, Luke Scott said: “We don’t let Lucy’s disability stop us doing things as a family and the Superhero Series is a great way for Lucy and Molly to take part and achieve something together. We’re all looking forward to the event and other families who are thinking about it, should definitely come along or find out what sport can do for them.”

Greg Phillips, part of the Irwin Mitchell Court of Protection team supporting the family, said: Lucy’s is a fantastic little girl and a real superhero to all who know her. I’m sure the family will have a fantastic day out. They are showing others what is possible and from the Don’t Quit, Do It campaign, we know how important positive role models can be. Sport helps with rehabilitation and offers a real feel good factor, while allowing people to realise they can still achieve their potential, not matter what their disability.”

The event attracted 1,700 participants and 7,000 spectators in 2017 – numbers that nearly doubled in 2018. With the support of sponsors like Marvel and Irwin Mitchell, plus Channel 4 broadcasting a 60 minute programme on the event presented by Clare Balding, this year is expected to be the biggest Superhero Tri yet.