Triathlon Event Takes Place On 18 August

A teenager who suffered injuries during her birth leaving her with Erbs Palsy and classed as disabled is to take on the Superheroes Triathlon event this month.

Halle Johnson-Rose, from near Rugeley, Staffordshire, suffered an injury at birth in March 2004, and was left with a condition called Erbs Palsy which is a paralysis of the nerves in her right arm and severely affected her movement from birth.

Now aged 14-years-old she has undergone major surgery five times to the muscle tissue to help improve the movement. Although her physical condition has improved considerably since birth, she still struggles with balance at times and when using both hands it can take a little longer to do more delicate or heavy tasks and she requires some help from others.

Halle’s lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are an official partner of the Superhero Tri event as part of the firm’s Don’t Quit, Do It campaign to raise awareness and participation in relation to disability sports. 

The Superhero Tri is a unique event that throws out restrictive rules and regulations to allow people with every kind of disability to take part in gutsy sporting challenges at the world-class Dorney Lake in Windsor.

Like many Irwin Mitchell clients, Halle has found that being involved in sports has helped with her rehabilitation and recovery. She regularly attends karate classes and is now taking on all three elements of the Superheroes triathlon. Halle will be taking part in Superheroes along with her mum, dad, sister and her best friend.

Halle said: “Although I am classed as disabled, this has never stopped me in life and will never stop me. I can swim, horse ride and do karate. I now work at a farm helping with pony parties, which I love.

“I’m really looking forward to completing the Superhero Triathlon to hopefully inspire other children and show that no matter what happens in life, you can achieve something great.”

Expert Opinion

“Halle doesn’t let anything hold her back and it’s great to see her getting involved in Superheroes. We know that our clients benefit from being involved in disability sports and she really embodies the spirit of our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign.” Julianne Moore - Partner

The Superhero Series’ next event, Superhero Tri, takes place on 18 August and encourages participants with all kinds of disabilities to take part in solo or team tri challenges with as much or as little support as they need.

There is also a celebrity race, which features high-profile stars from sport and screen, and all kinds of entertainment and activities throughout the day, ensuring both participants and spectators have a super-sized fun day out. Wimbledon doubles tennis champion Alfie Hewett will be captain of the Irwin Mitchell Superheroes team and the firm will be also showcasing its disability tennis challenge for attendees to tackle.

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