Custom walking aids from York-based Neo Walk feature on the Hollywood red carpet
Walking stick specialist Neo Walk is finding that its custom walking aids are proving popular on the red carpet in Hollywood, despite the products not proving a hit on BBC’s Dragon’s Den programme nearly 10 years ago.
A bespoke walking aid has been seen being used at the 29th Screen Actors Guild awards this week by American actress, Christina Applegate, who has multiple sclerosis (MS). Another high profile customer is Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair, who also has MS.
Neo Walk founder, Lyndsay, set up Neo Walk from her kitchen in York, creating individually-designed acrylic sticks as mobility aids after she lost her leg due to contracting MRSA during an operation.
She makes creative acrylic walking sticks using tactile acrylic, with lots of colours to reflect the many sides of its user’s personality.
After an appearance on BBC TV show Dragons’ Den, Lyndsay told the BBC that she had been “more successful than even I dared to dream.”
Although Lyndsay didn’t get the investment she hoped for, she said she enjoyed talking about her product to potential investors.
Lyndsay continued: “At the end of the day, I didn’t need them. We’ve actually smashed the predictions I gave the Dragons which we would reach without them. I’m just so thrilled.”
Lyndsay and the team make and send walking aids all over the world. With customers in over 20 countries, the word is spreading about the handmade walking sticks, which has led to Neo Walk gaining a “wonderful supportive community” on Instagram.
As a younger lady with a disability, Lyndsay wanted a cool, confident walking stick to help find her own confidence again.
Lyndsay’s mission at Neo Walk is to see disability normalised and for designers to embrace the needs of people with disabilities in mainstream products. Neo Walk states on its website: “We want to see our community represented in the media, TV and film industry.”
Lyndsay is passionate about inclusion and wants to use her success to shout it from the rooftops. Neo Walk continues to innovate and create customised walking aids, giving people everywhere confidence and style.
