Invacare partners with charity legend to fundraise for wheelchairs in remote communities
Wheelchair and mobility equipment manufacturer Invacare and its Cumbrian-based partners held a fundraising walk in Keswick recently as part of the firm’s Move For Mobility campaign.
Invacare hosted the inclusive seven-mile walk on the all-accessible Keswick to Threlkeld route last week.
The Invacare Global Communications team arrived from Europe and, with their partners, many of whom are based in Cumbria, invited local community members to join them.
The event was to raise awareness of the Move for Mobility initiative, its second annual campaign in Europe and Asia Pacific, which helps build and distribute wheelchairs to people in under-resourced and remote communities around the world.
Cumbria’s marathon man, Gary McKee, was one of the special guests attending the walk and said it was a great day out for a meaningful cause. “We often take the ability to move freely for granted, but for many, a wheelchair is their independence and dignity.
“The work that Free Wheelchair Mission does to help developing countries is truly inspiring. By gifting a wheelchair, they restore movement, hope, and opportunity. Today’s walk in Keswick with Invacare was a brilliant way to raise awareness and support for this life-changing mission,” added Gary.
Leisa Evans, Global Head of Communications at Invacare, also joined the walk and said: “It was inspiring to see our team come together with local partners and community members in beautiful Keswick for this initiative. The Keswick to Threlkeld trail provided an inclusive setting, aligning with our commitment to accessible mobility.”
Hannah Cockroft CBE, nine-time Paralympic Champion and Invacare ambassador, sent a message supporting the initiative. Hannah hoped to join, but her training had taken her to Switzerland.
Hannah said, “Getting out and getting active is a luxury, but it’s a luxury that not everyone has access to. Initiatives like Move For Mobility really help make a difference.
“Sports and physical activity can teach us so much. It teaches us to communicate, work well in a team, and have leadership skills; it helps develop confidence and life skills. But it’s also a great way to release endorphins, make some friends and have fun.”
The Move For Mobility campaign is now in its second year with Invacare. It is a global initiative supported by Invacare to raise funds and awareness for its charity partner, Free Wheelchair Mission.
Free Wheelchair Mission is a humanitarian non-profit organisation improving the lives of those living in remote communities who lack access to essential mobility equipment such as wheelchairs.
In 2024, the campaign successfully raised tens of thousands of pounds from 20 countries around the world, resulting in nearly 300 wheelchairs being produced and donated to people in remote communities.
For every £72 raised, a wheelchair is gifted to someone without access to one, transforming their life.
Three of Invacare’s communications partners based in Cumbria – Platinum Live, Carlisle’s Creative Hutch, and Quokka Media Group – participated in the activities have been supporting the cause throughout May.
