Battleback

Introduction

In 2008 the then Master David Wernick and the expected next three successive Masters agreed that the Wheelwrights should mark the 2012 London Olympics and link in to our charitable mission of assisting disabled people. It was agreed that we would support the military for both the 2012 Summer Paralympics and the 2014 Winter Paralympics. A Memorandum of Understanding was entered into with The Combined Services Adaptive Sports Association (Battle Back - Sport). We were delighted that The Chief of the Defence Staff, The Chief of the Air Staff, The Second Sea Lord and The Master Gunner St James’s Park agreed to be our Appeal Patrons. In September 2011 we are now nearly at the end of the third year and Graham Westwell subject to election will be the fourth Master taking us up to the 2012 Paralympics. 

Fundraising and Grants

The Wheelwrights was the only Livery Company to establish a Battle Back Appeal and there has been wide recognition for what has been achieved to date. Over £86,000 has been raised and grants totalling nearly £70,000 have been made enabling many service athletes to have the specialised equipment and most importantly the opportunity to give of their best to achieve their dreams and aspirations. We are grateful that Harrow School has adopted the Wheelwrights Battle Back Appeal as their chosen charity for 2011.   

How has the Appeal helped the individuals?

The seed corn grants made to the initial athletes has led to much success. The athletes have made remarkable progress and many are competing at national and international level.

In June 2011 Battle Back sent a team to the US Endeavour Games, this is one of the largest events in the world, organised by the US Military Paralympics Programme which enables athletes with physical disabilities to participate in a multi-sport environment in additions to providing training and clinics for aspiring athletes. The Battle Back Sitting Volleyball Team performed very well. The table tennis team won four silver and one bronze medal. Two gold medals were won for seated javelin and the 200m sprint for bilateral amputees. More was to follow with the swimming, archery and throwing events.  

Track Cycling – Terry Byrne has broken world records and has been featured in The Sunday Times and on TV news for his achievements.

Track Cycling - Jon-Allan Butterworth, who is already World Champion is his disability class, broke the World record for one kilometre standing start on his way to winning the British title in Para cycling Time Trials in late September 2011. The following day he broke his second World record - in the flying 200 metres.

Athletics – Matt Raasch-Sotinwa is continuing to train hard and is progressing towards his personal goal of competing in 2012.

Wheelchair Basket Ball – Kirsty Wallace (nee Archibald) lifted the BT Paralympics World Cup in Manchester in May 2011.

Sitting Volleyball - Netra Rana played for GB at the BT Paralympics World Cup also in May.

David Watson won a silver and bronze medal at the 2011 Limbpower Amputee Games and Ryan Hewitt won three gold medals at Badminton, Bench Press and Rowing.

Rowing - Daniel Whittingham made the final of the LTA 200m Sprint and World Paracanoe Adaptive Rowing Championships.  

Rowing - Nick Beighton competed in the mixed double scull at the World Championships in August 2011. Nick has been selected for the London 2012 Paralympics Games.

Pistol Shooting – Pam Grainger continues her steady progression to get her to London 2012. Pam won gold at the Stoke Mandeville IPC event in August.

The Appeal has also funded 9 athletes to attend the GB Paralympics Talent Transition Camp at University of Bath in August. The Master and the Wheelwrights' Charity Chairman visited the camp and were extremely impressed with the Battle Back participants. 

Sledge Ice Hockey Team - the Appeal funded the establishment of the Battle Back Bisons team and in May 2011 the Upper Warden attended the press launch. The team wear the Wheelwrights logo on their sports kit.

Arthur Williams, a disabled athlete who has had our help, made his debut as the lead anchor on Channel 4 coverage of the BT Paralympics World Cup 2012.

Conclusion.

Not all successes are detailed above. The Wheelwrights can be proud of their involvement. The encouragement given to those athletes we have helped will hopefully result in their dreams and aspirations coming to fruition. We are hoping that many of our Company will be able to attend the 2012 Paralympics Games and see those athletes we have helped along the way.

We are grateful for all those who have contributed to the Appeal which has allowed the Wheelwrights to make such a significant contribution to helping disabled military athletes.