‘Team Wizzy’ Takes On Bath Half Marathon To Raise Much Needed Funds

A litigation assistant from Irwin Mitchell is set to pound the pavements this weekend alongside staff from the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) in the hope of raising much needed funds to help disabled children with specialist equipment.

The charity and law firm, which has an office in Bristol, are joining forces at the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 3 March to raise awareness and cash for BIME’s Wizzybug loan scheme that sees youngsters with mobility problems given a fun bright red buggy to help them become more active.

Team Wizzy’s fundraising target is £4,250 which is the cost of providing one Wizzybug in the Loan Scheme. This covers the cost of the basic vehicle itself along with an allowance for ‘optional extras’ required by some children and costs of reconditioning and replacement parts over a five year period.

The Wizzybug is an innovative powered chair designed specifically for children under five. The simple controls allow them to zip around with their peers, developing spatial awareness, social interaction and independence.

Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office has sponsored two Wizzybug loans to children in the South West and litigation assistant Zoe Hislop, from the Serious Injury team at the firm hopes her efforts at the weekend will help more children.

She said: “I got involved in this race because I think BIME are a fantastic cause to help raise money for. At Irwin Mitchell, we see what differences the technologies BIME develop can make to people who have disabilities, such as the fun ‘Wizzybugs’ for children who use a wheelchair.

“I have already run lots of half marathons, including Bath and one in Sydney, Australia, so and I was looking for an event to get me training again and thought this location and this cause was the ideal opportunity. I have been training in preparation but I’m still a bit nervous and hope that the weather holds out, I don’t want to end up running in snow!”

Tony Husband, Commercial Manager at BIME, said: “All toddlers should be able to explore on their own terms – the Wizzybug makes this happen for children with limited mobility.  We’re grateful to our runners for helping us raise money for the scheme locally. Please support them and help us enable another child with independence and freedom.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell’s expertise related to Serious Injury