Princesshay hosts wheelchair relay for Ataxia UK

Princesshay plays host to the first wheelchair relay on Sunday 13 October from 11am in aid of Ataxia UK – the Lord Mayor’s nominated charity for 2013 and 2014. Seven wheelchair users aided by friends and family will take part in the relay.

Ataxia is the term used to describe a group of neurological conditions that gradually attack the brain. Most ataxias are progressive and cause problems with balance, coordination and speech and at the moment there is no cure.
The wheelchair relay not only hopes to raise awareness of ataxia but also help educate shoppers and visitors alike on wheelchair etiquette. Able-bodied participants are also invited to use a wheelchair to fully appreciate and understand the constraints wheelchair users face on a daily basis.

Geoff Lampshire of Ataxia UK – Westcountry Branch said “We are thrilled to be holding our awareness and fundraising event in Princesshay. We’ve had great support from the people of Exeter so far this year and we look forward to it continuing through to 2014 with the support of the Lord Mayor and her team.”
Members of the Ataxia UK team will be handing out information flyers and collecting donations in Princesshay Square on the event day. All money raised will help towards the on-going research into ataxia.

Wayne Pearce, Centre Director comments: “Ataxia UK is truly a fantastic charity and we’re delighted to be able to support the team in their awareness and fundraising campaign by holding the wheelchair relay event here in Princesshay.”

Another aim of Ataxia UK is to launch an award certification scheme to shops, restaurants and café’s on the accessibility and overall wheelchair friendliness of the establishment. Retailers of Princesshay that meet criteria will be awarded a certificate for wheelchair friendliness. Ataxia UK Westcountry branch hopes this campaign will serve to enhance Exeter’s image as a progressive and welcoming city to those with disabilities.

To find out more about Ataxia visit www.ataxia.org.uk or contact Phil King, the Lord Mayor’s Support Officer at Exeter City Council on 01392 265524.