Irwin Mitchell Help Disabled Man On His Mission To Make National Team

A powerchair footballer’s dream of representing his country in the sport he loves could become a reality after law firm Irwin Mitchell helped him reach his fundraising target for the specialist chair which he needs in order to compete.

Harry Shenton, 29, from Cheltenham, has cerebral palsy and is a coach and player for powerchair football team Cheltenham Powerchair FC, but after getting a taste of being part of the national squad in 2007, as a standby player, he has hoped to play for England again ever since.

Unfortunately until recently Harry’s ability was limited by the relatively basic chair that he bought from eBay for £200.

Undeterred, Harry began fundraising the £7,000 he needed to purchase a Strikeforce chair, the entry level chair for all National and European level players, and after hearing he was close to meeting his target, medical negligence lawyers from law firm Irwin Mitchell, offered to pay the final £1,500 to ensure that the he can compete to his full potential.

The law firm is heavily involved in supporting disabled sports across the country and runs its Don’t Quit, Do It campaign to raise awareness of how disability sport can help injured people with their rehabilitation and recovery.

Julie Lewis, Irwin Mitchell’s Head of Medical Negligence in Bristol said: 

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“We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to help Harry afford his new chair and follow his dreams. He is hardworking, dedicated and pushes his abilities to the limit despite his cerebral palsy.

“His attitude of aiming high and overcoming the hurdles that face him, make him a living embodiment of our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign which encourages disabled people to get involved with sport and raises awareness of the impact that disability and inclusive sports can have.” Julie Lewis - Partner

Constructed to be as low to the ground as possible and with greater manoeuvrability than conventional wheelchairs, Harry’s new Strikeforce chair is used at international level and should greatly improve his chances of playing for the national team.

Harry said: “I feel great that I’ve got this new chair to help me achieve my goals and I am grateful to every single one of the people and businesses who helped me raise the money to make this possible. 

“The new chair has increased my confidence on the pitch, and I’ve been awarded man of the match six times in my first ten matches since. The chair has made a huge difference to my game and the team offensively and defensively, so hopefully it will help get me a permanent position on the national team.”

Harry, who works with charity, Goals Beyond Grass, to help take the sport of Powerchair Football to disabled youngsters across Gloucestershire, says he hopes the new skills his chair will enable him to help inspire the next generation of powerchair football players.

Played on a standard basketball court, powerchair football began in the 70s, originating in Canada and France, before quickly catching on around the world. 

The profile of the sport has grown hugely in recent years and Harry hopes to represent England on an international stage at the next World Cup, in Florida next year.

For more information about Don’t Quit, Do It visit our campaign page.