Team Captain Hannah Cockroft Announces Law Firm’s First Participant In New Disability Sports Event

A man who suffered life-changing injuries and was in a coma for six months after a severe car crash is to take part in a triathlon in a team captained by Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell has today launched its team for the Superhero Tri, the first event in a new, all-inclusive disability sports series.

Hannah Cockroft MBE, who is sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, will be captain of the law firm’s teams in the Superhero Series. Leveraging the inspiration of the fantastic Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and the 64 gold medals won by ParalympicsGB, the Superhero Series aims to increase disability sport participation at all levels and give as many people as possible the opportunity to find their inner superhero by taking on an inspirational goal.

Today Hannah has announced the first member of Irwin Mitchell’s team for the Superhero Tri, on 19 August at Dorney Lake in Buckinghamshire, as Edward Buckley, a university student from Welwyn Garden City who had to learn to walk and talk again after being hit by a speeding taxi.

Edward, who will be competing in the Half Superhero Tri Solo, was a student at Leeds University training to become a pilot when he was knocked down by a speeding taxi driver whilst crossing the road. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and was not expected to survive.

Edward was in a coma for six months and spent almost two years in hospital. But after Irwin Mitchell was able to secure a settlement to help with his rehabilitation and recovery, and with the support of his family and friends, Edward is now able to walk and talk once more, and has returned to full-time education – he will graduate with a degree in Aerospace Technology this summer.

As well as having signed up for the Superhero Tri, Edward has taken up rowing and is currently in training with a view to competing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Edward said: “My recovery is thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. Now I like to try to push myself as far as I can go – so when I heard about the Superhero Tri, I knew I definitely wanted to take part.”

“It will be a big challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to completing my training and achieving my goal of finishing the race. I’m very excited to be doing this as part of Team Irwin Mitchell.”

Irwin Mitchell is an official partner of the Superhero Series, which was established by Paralympian Sophia Warner. The series aims to break down the barriers to disability sport participation by removing some of the restrictive rules which often deter people from taking part in similar events.

The Superhero Tri will see elite athletes and celebrities competing alongside ‘everyday superheroes’ – disabled participants from total beginners to amateur sportspeople. Competitors can complete the course alone, as part of a team, or with a sidekick to help them along, and there are three triathlon distances to choose from.

Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, who has been working alongside Irwin Mitchell to promote disability sport for a number of years, said: “Disability sport shouldn’t just be for Paralympians – it’s something that should be available to all. It’s great that the Superhero Series is breaking down the barriers and creating events that everyone can take part in, no matter their disability or skill level.

“Irwin Mitchell has given me tremendous support as sponsors, so I’m very pleased that they have partnered with the Superhero Series – and I’m honoured to be captain of their teams in the Superhero Tri. I can’t wait to see our everyday superheroes in action.”

Stuart Henderson, Managing Partner of the personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said:

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“Physical activity can play a huge part in helping to rehabilitate people who have suffered serious injury. Through the work of our ‘Don’t Quit, Do It’ campaign, we want to highlight those benefits and encourage more people involved in disability sports.

“Ed is a great example of what people who have been involved in a serious accident can achieve despite suffering life-changing injuries. We’re proud that we have been able to play a part in his rehabilitation and we’re proud to support the Superhero Series.

“We are thrilled to have both Hannah and Edward on our team and we look forward to announcing more of our everyday superheroes in the near future.”
Stuart Henderson - Partner

Visit the Superhero Series website for more information about the Superhero Tri and other events. Read more about Irwin Mitchell’s ‘Don’t Quit, Do It’ campaign here.