Teenage Talent Harbours Ambitions To Compete At Highest Level

A teenage para-climber from Moray who dreams of representing Great Britain in the activity has received a funding boost from national law firm Irwin Mitchell as part of its ongoing campaign to back disability sport.

Rebecca Gilchrist, 14, from Rothes, who finished fourth in a recent national competition, is set to receive a £500 donation from the organisation which she will put towards gaining access to specialist coaching.

She is hopeful that the support will then put her on her way to achieving her ultimate dream of representing GB Paraclimbing at events in the future.

Irwin Mitchell is offering the support to Rebecca as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It campaign. Backed by the hugely successful Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE, the initiative is aimed at promoting the physical and psychological benefits of participation in disability sport.

David Bell, Personal Injury Team Manager and serious injury legal expert at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, said: 

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“Our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign is all about lending a hand to individuals and organisations which are chasing dreams or looking to provide vital support to a range of people.

“Rebecca is a fantastic para-climber with a proven track record in competition and we are delighted to be able to offer her some support. We hope that it will go some way towards helping her realise her ultimate ambition.” David Bell - Senior Associate Solicitor

Rebecca’s mother Clare Gilchrist said: “We are so proud of Rebecca for everything she has achieved so far and it is fantastic that an organisation like Irwin Mitchell is able to provide us with some extra vital support.

“We are sure this donation will make a huge difference as continues to work to further develop her climbing skills.”

The Don’t Quit Do It grant programme from Irwin Mitchell offers charities and groups involved in inclusive sport an opportunity to apply for help with the cost of training, equipment or participation in major events. The initiative has already provided more than £50,000 to a range of different projects in the UK.

As well as Don’t Quit, Do It, Irwin Mitchell has a longstanding commitment to supporting disability sport through a number of partnerships and has links to both the England Amputee Football Association and Boccia England. It was also the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships in London last year and a supporter of the Superhero Series held at Dorney Lake in Windsor in August.

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