Earlier this week, the Invacare Global Communications team joined their Cumbrian partners and members of the local community for a fundraising walk in the UK on the picturesque Keswick to Threlkeld trail.
This 7-mile, all-accessible route provided the perfect setting for the team’s involvement in the Move For Mobility campaign, an initiative dedicated to funding and distributing free wheelchairs to individuals in under-resourced and remote communities worldwide.
With members of the team travelling from Wales, Italy and France to take part, it was a great opportunity to unite and raise awareness and funds for our partner, Free Wheelchair Mission, who is a humanitarian organisation that brings mobility and hope to those who need it in some of the remotest parts of the world.
Cumbria’s own marathon man, Gary McKee, lent his support. Gary completed 365 marathons in 365 days in 2022, raising over £1 million for charity in the process. Gary described the event as a meaningful day for an essential 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, emphasised the collaborative spirit of the event 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.”
Nine-time Paralympic Champion and Invacare ambassador Hannah Cockroft CBE was unable to attend due to training commitments in Switzerland, she shared her support via a heartfelt video shown to the walkers before they set off: “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.”
Now in its second year, Move For Mobility is a global initiative supported by Invacare to raise funds and awareness for Free Wheelchair Mission.
In 2024, the campaign raised tens of thousands of dollars across 20 countries, resulting in nearly 300 wheelchairs being produced and donated to individuals in remote communities. Every €88 raised transforms a life with the gift of a wheelchair.
Three of our partner organisations based in Cumbria – Platinum Live, Carlisle’s CreativeHutch, and Quokka Media Group – along with friends and family, joined the walk and will continue supporting the campaign throughout May.
For more information on the Move For Mobility initiative or to make a donation, visit invacaremoves.org