Pupils at Wingrave School recently took part in a Wheels at Work Disability Awareness Assembly, part of a wider fundraising initiative in support of Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research.

Over 200 pupils participated in the awareness event and listened to an insightful talk from SMSR’s Ambassador, Kat Panagaki, who visited the school on the day to reveal what life is really like for those facing the daily challenges, and complications, of spinal cord injury.

Kat, a C5 tetraplegic, who was involved in a car accident in March 2014, while on holiday in Greece, said: “Since being part of the disabled community, I've seen how people treat you differently. My aim is to make people see that disability doesn't stop you from living a full, adventurous life.”

Commenting on the awareness day, SMSR Corporate & Community Fundraiser, Kate Favell, said: “We are delighted to visit Wingrave School with our Charity Ambassador, Kat Panagaki, who shared her personal experiences of living with a spinal cord injury.”

She added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the school for their support in both raising awareness of the vital work of Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, and for their fantastic fundraising efforts in raising £278.30 through taking on our Wheels at Work challenge as well as organising a non-uniform/mufti day for pupils to take part in.”

Huge thanks to our friends at Gerald Simonds Healthcare, our long-standing partner for Wheels at Work, and for providing the wheelchairs.

If are interested in hosting a Wheels at Work / Disability Awareness Workshop, please contact Kate Favell at [email protected]

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