Irwin Mitchell Provides Support As Part Of Don’t Quit, Do It Initiative

A hugely talented disabled athlete from Northumberland who competes in Boccia events across Europe has received a funding boost from Irwin Mitchell as part of the law firm’s continued to commitment to backing disability sport initiatives.

Harry Thompson, 23, from North Northumberland has played Boccia for around a decade and enjoyed a range of success in the sport. In 2018 alone, he has secured a gold medal at the BE Cup Rounds in Hatfield and Silver at the BE Cup Play offs in Hatfield. He received The North East Disability Sports Awards, Male Personality Award. 

Harry’s success continued as he secured gold and bronze medals at the International Germany Boccia Cup in May, as well as winning further bronze medal at the BE Cup Finals in Sheffield a week later. 

In June, Harry secured a bronze medal with his Pairs partner, Bastian Keller, at the Czech Open International in Prague.

Now, as he gears up for further competitions in the Czech Republic and Spain later this year, he has been awarded a £350 grant from Irwin Mitchell which he has put towards international competition entries and kit.

The law firm has provided the funding as part of its ongoing Don’t Quit, Do It initiative, which aims to highlight the benefits of disability sport and provide support to emerging talent in a range of disciplines. The campaign is backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE.

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

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“Our campaign has given us a great opportunity to lend a hand to some of the best sporting talent in the country.

“Harry has enjoyed a fantastic level of success in Boccia, with his story being a great example of how disability sport can make a huge difference to lives. We are delighted to have been able to help him with this grant and wish him all of the best for the future.” Angela Kirtley - Partner

Harry Thompson added: “Boccia has made a huge difference to my life, helping keep my condition stable and allowing me to not only keep active but also to gain more confidence and socialise with friends. 

“I am very proud of everything I have achieved so far and this funding from Irwin Mitchell is fantastic support as I prepare for my future competitions. Disability sport is so important and it is fantastic to see such an organisation promoting it.”

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.