NEWS RELEASE

A magnificent Mobility Roadshow, say visitors

Once again the Mobility Roadshow has been heralded a huge success by visitors and exhibitors alike. Held last week (30th June to 2nd July) at the East of England Showground, Peterborough for the second consecutive year, there is no doubt that it has become a fixed calendar event for thousands seeking mobility solutions.

“Superb, an eye-opener”; “thanks for a wonderful show”; “we can’t wait for next year”; is the general theme of visitors’ comments flooding into Mobility Choice, the charity that organises this event.

Many were attending for the first time, including Helen and David Pell from Lincolnshire: “A great big thank you to you and your team for a fantastic event. The test drives all happened on time, advice was good and all the stand holders were happy to give their time to a newbie like me.“

Over 170 exhibitors showcased their latest products and services and on the test track was a selection of 60 adapted or converted vehicles to drive and compare.

VIP guest on the first day was Private Derek Derenalagi, one of the British soldiers who provided inspiration for the birth of the charity Help for Heroes. Derek lost both his legs in action and now with bionic legs is aiming for a place in the GB Paralympics squad. “This is the first time I have been to an event like this and I am so amazed at the technology we have to assist people like me,” said Derek as he explored the exhibitor stands and met visitors.

The Minden Band of The Queen's Regiment (pictured left, with Derek Derenalagi) delighted visitors on the first day with classic and modern tunes, looking resplendent in their ceremonial uniform - red jackets and bearskins.

“I am especially pleased that our new Design Zone and Mobility Information Service (jointly run by the Forum of Mobility Centres and Ricability) were big hits with visitors. Unique to the Roadshow, these are now firmly on our future agenda,” said Jacqui Jones, Executive Director, Mobility Choice. “We are delighted that the Mobility Roadshow has once again proved so popular and, most important, that so many said they rely on it each year as a valuable source for their future mobility needs.”

As well as new vehicle conversions and adaptations, innovations being unveiled included what is thought to be the first powerchair that does not need a converted vehicle to transport it; an adventure bike said to be the first truly personal all-terrain vehicle and the world’s first upright Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system set to revolutionise therapy for disability recovery and fitness.

Also on the launch pad was a new lift solution for WAVs; a new joystick steering system from The Netherlands; a new automated transport and retrieval system helping powerchair users in and out of vehicles and a new electric locking wheelchair restraint retractor that includes the world’s longest webbing belt.

As always at this event there were several new wheelchairs and scooters, cycles and bikes being unveiled and a new electric vehicle. A US company showcased a new ‘control bar’ concept to make driving a powerchair much easier.

Back in the UK especially for this event was the ReWalk™ ‘bionic’ walking system that allows paraplegics to walk and even climb stairs.

Hands-on experience

As well as vehicle test drives, visitors were able to discuss adaptations and conversions with specialists, try wheelchairs and scooters for comfort and safety, compare aids for the home, explore accessible travel and leisure, and gain valuable information and advice from support organisations.

The Cyclefest zone attracted more special needs cycles than ever - from tiny trikes to companion and wheelchair cycling, with advice from experts. The Go Kids Go! wheelchair skills sessions tailored to the needs of disabled children were also well attended.

Better by Design

Mobility Choice partnered with specialists Enabled by Design and Such and Such Design to introduce the new interactive Design Zone. It was a huge hit and now a permanent feature of the Mobility Roadshow. Here designers, innovators and visitors exchanged ideas about looks and functionality of current and future concepts for independent living products. The results of the ‘people’s choice’ Cool Wall votes will be announced shortly.

Accessible sport and leisure
The Sports Arena was abuzz throughout the three days featuring football with the England Wheelchair Football Team, basketball, tag rugby, dancing and sledge hockey; plus the accessible climbing wall, archery, laser clays, remote-control cars, a giant Scalextric, Nintendo Wii, and simulated flying. Visitors applauded the popular Red Wheelies Scooter Formation team display on the Saturday.
A new national photographic competition in partnership with the Disabled Photographers’ Society (DPS) was announced and the DPS stand was busy with visitors gleaning hints and tips on how to achieve great pictures.

Expert advice

All Meet the Experts informal drop-in sessions were well attended, some over-subscribed. They included Blue Badge and parking, assessment and adaptations, safe carriage of wheelchairs in vehicles; air passengers’ rights and ‘meet the actors’ with Julie Fernandez (The Office) and David Proud (EastEnders). Meet the Experts is here to stay.

Guest appearances

On Thursday and Friday another war veteran, Simon Angel MBE, was sharing his experiences on the TGA stand.
Celebrating National Young Disabled Persons’ Day (2nd July)  David Proud announced the winners of the schools and clubs national Ready Willing & Mobile competition to help disabled people. With her bright idea for a young person’s woodland backpack 11 year old Zainab Khan, a pupil at Perry Hall Primary School, Bromley was announced outright winner from a field of over 300 entries.
TV presenter and Desperados and Dancing on Wheels star, Ade Adepitan, delighted visitors young and old with a special guest appearance on the Invacare stand on the final afternoon.

Keep in touch with news of the date and venue for the Mobility Roadshow 2012 at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk  

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Editorial contact for more information and pictures:

Rosemary Vaux at Mobility Roadshow press office
direct line: 020 8943 5343 mobile 07792 72 62 41
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