New Adapted Bike For Athlete With Erb’s Palsy

A disabled cross country cyclist from Durham has received an equipment boost after he secured a grant from Irwin Mitchell as part of the law firm’s continued commitment to promoting the benefits of being active.

Troy Dodds, 14, competes in a range of competitions across the UK against able-bodied riders despite having Erb’s palsy, a condition which means he has problems with movement and feeling in his left arm and hand.

Despite his condition, he has achieved plenty of success in the sport, including securing a second-place finish in his first ever cross-country race held in Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland in July.

Now, ahead of competitions in Scotland in September and another in Hamsterley in October, Troy has secured a £500 grant from Irwin Mitchell which he has put towards purchasing a bike which his father has adapted so that both brakes are on the right side of the handlebars.

The law firm has provided the financial support as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative to promote the benefits of involvement in disability sport. The campaign is backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

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“Through our work we have seen the huge impact that sport can have on lives, with Troy being a perfect example of this.

“Despite his Erb’s palsy he has been able to compete at a high level in cycling and we are delighted to be able to lend support so he can access to specialist equipment that he requires. We wish him all the best in his other events this year and beyond.” Angela Kirtley - Partner

Troy’s mother Lisa Dodds said: “We are so proud of everything Troy has been able to achieve so far and this funding from Irwin Mitchell has been a great help to ensure he has a bike suited to his needs.

“It is fantastic to see an organisation like Irwin Mitchell provide support to sportspeople like Troy and also show a commitment to highlighting the huge benefits that sport can offer to individuals of all abilities. We are very grateful to them for their help.”

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

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