Teenage Star Hopes To Compete For Great Britain At The Paralympics

The Leeds office of national law Irwin Mitchell has launched a fundraising drive to help a talented para-dressage rider achieve her dream of competing in next year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Izzy Palmer, 18, from Rawdon, Leeds, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth but was inspired to take up para-dressage after discovering the sport during the London Paralympics in 2012.

She has gone on to enjoy huge success in the field and has represented Great Britain on numerous occasions. The current Grade 4 national champion is also ranked fourth in the world in her category.

Now, however, she is dreaming of success at Tokyo 2020 and beyond, but with the financial cost securing a place at the event being high, lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office have launched a campaign to help her get to the Games.

The law firm has a long-standing commitment to supporting disability sport through its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative, which is backed by the likes of multiple gold-medal winning Paralympic star Hannah Cockroft MBE and aims to promote the benefits of being active.

Expert Opinion

“Izzy is an incredible young sportswoman and we would love to see her get the opportunity to realise her dream of competing in the Paralympics next year.

She is a fine example of the life-changing impact that disability sport initiatives can have and perfectly reflects the values that we have promoted through our work on Don’t Quit, Do It. It would be a huge shame if she did not get the opportunity to showcase her talents on the biggest stage.

We have a host of fundraising activities planned to support Izzy in the coming months, but would be hugely grateful to anyone else who may be able to lend some support.”
Rachelle Mahapatra - Partner

Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office established a Just Giving page to support Izzy, while Rachelle herself has been involved in several long distance walks to raise funds for her in recent years. Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection team provided a further £1000 sponsorship to help her with the ongoing costs of training.

Izzy, a student at St Mary’s Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy,  said: “I have always loved horses and not only does riding mean I get to do something I really enjoy, it is also good for me. It acts as physiotherapy for the hemiplegia I experience on my left side. 

“I have a busy year of competitions combined with sitting my A Levels but I am determined to give it my best shot. It would be amazing to get to compete in Tokyo. Soon I will be competing at Hartbury.

“I hope that I can also inspire others to take up a sport. There is no ‘dis’ in ability and it should never stop you from leading an active life and following your dreams.”

For more information or to pledge your support to the campaign for Izzy Palmer, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/izzypalmer.