Emily Stewart Won Gold At The CPISRA World Games in Spain

A talented Paralympic hopeful from Gateshead has secured a funding boost from national law firm Irwin Mitchell as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promote the benefits of disability sport.

Emily Stewart, 19, who has cerebral palsy, asthma and epilepsy, competes in a range of events in the T38/F38 category and her strong performances led to her being selected to represent Team CP England at the 2018 Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association World Games in Spain this summer.

Emily produced a heroic performance in Spain, winning gold in the T38/F38 100m, 200m and shot put events. Emily also won the discus and long jump events however she was the only competitor and for a medal to be awarded Emily needed to get within a certain percentage of the particular event world record.

Prior to the World Games, Emily competed at the Anniversary Games, London Stadium, in the ambulant women’s T37/38 200m as part of the Diamond League meeting live on the BBC. Emily ran a season's best, finishing 4th in front of 27,000 people.

The Gateshead Harriers star, who has her sights set on building on her performance in Spain and securing a place at the Paralympics in 2020, received a £500 grant from Irwin Mitchell which she has put towards the purchase of new kit.

The law firm is providing the financial support as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative. The campaign, which is backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE, aims to highlight the benefits of disability sport and boost participation in such activities.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner and medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign has given us a huge opportunity to lend a hand to some of the best new sporting talent in the country and also raise awareness of the huge benefits that sport can offer.

“Emily is a very talented young athlete and her potential is undoubtedly highlighted by her selection for the recent CPISRA World Games. We are delighted to have been able to provide her with a grant and wish her all of the best for future.” Angela Kirtley - Partner

Ian Stewart, Emily’s father, said: “We are incredibly proud of everything that Emily has achieved so far. The CPISRA World Championships is her first international competition so it was a huge moment for her and the whole family.

“Disability sport has made a huge difference to Emily’s life and it is fantastic to see an organisation like Irwin Mitchell putting a spotlight on such activities. We appreciate their help and support as we look to help Emily take her performance to a whole new level.”

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.