Wheelchair rugby raises charity awareness

Aspire provides support for people with spinal cord injuries so they can lead fulfilled and independent lives in their own homes.

Eight volunteers from Shoosmiths' Rugby Team accepted the charity's challenge to play against the London Wheelchair rugby team, which includes members of Great Britain's Wheelchair Rugby team.

The game was played at the Aspire National Training Centre, in Stanmore, the official training ground of the London Wheelchair team.

The team, captained by support analyst Ross Cleary, was put through a rigorous fitness training session and instructed on how to operate a wheelchair before taking part.

Shoosmiths' client relationship manager Lisa Emery, who coordinated the law firm's involvement in the match, said: "We have completed a number of fund raising events for Aspire and will continue to do so, but this time it was all about raising awareness.

"This event really showcased the phenomenal ability and determination of the London Wheelchair rugby team, as well as the excellent work that Aspire is able to undertake with continued support from the public; it's been a real eye-opener."

Chris Field, head of fundraising at Aspire, said: "Having the Shoosmiths rugby team down to the Aspire National Training Centre was fantastic.

"They were put through their paces by the London Wheelchair rugby team who gave them a truly intensive training and skills session before setting up a game. It was great to see them get so involved and learn something about the game as well as the work Aspire do."

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has already contributed more than £19,000 for the charity through a host of initiatives, and a fundraising committee has been set up to boost its efforts.

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