“Find your power” - the slogan for the epic Superhero Tri, a triathlon challenge which took place at Dorney Lake, Windsor, in August, saw an 18-strong team of superheroes of all ages and abilities supporting Aylesbury-based charity Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR), with an incredible £8,300 in sponsorship money raised.

The team relay saw men, women, and children, including four wheelchair-bound participants, use their superpowers in support of SMSR, by competing in a 150m swim, 3k cycle ride, and 1k push/run (participants can choose the challenge and distance).

This unique, and inclusive event is open to anyone who considers themselves to have a disability, along with their friends and family.

Team Captain and SMSR Ambassador, Sophie Shane, took part in the challenge with her young niece and nephew, Saba, 9, and Alexander, 4, and commented: “This event is such a great opportunity to bring people together especially if you have a disability. To be a part of something where you’re not the only disabled person there, you don’t feel different, in fact you feel like you belong and nothing’s a big deal.”

 

Sophie added: “It was a great opportunity for me to meet others with spinal cord injuries in a setting that’s not a hospital but getting out there and doing something fun. It also shows everyone else that if you have a disability and live in a wheelchair, you’re still able to do lots of exciting, physical things.”

Commenting on the event, and the money raised by the team, Kate Favell, SMSR Community & Corporate Fundraiser, said: “On behalf of everyone involved with Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Superhero Tri Team Captains, Sophie Shane, Peter Apps, Heidi Herkes, and Kat Panagaki.”

Sports presenter Clare Balding, who was in attendance on the day, was also filming a special programme for Channel 4 about the event which aired on Sunday morning.

“We were very excited to see all our superheroes making the final programme edit on Sunday morning,” added Kate. “Thank you to them, to everyone who took part, supported, donated, or volunteered on the day. It truly was inspiring to see so many people, especially younger people, with different abilities taking part in this fantastic event together.”

The Charity team now look forward to recruiting participants for the upcoming Winter Wonderwheels challenge taking place on Sunday 4^th December, back at Dorney Lake. If you would like to find out more about the event, please email Kate at: [email protected].

-ENDS-