Boxing Legend Frank Bruno To Honour Spinal Injury Award Winners, London

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience;  Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 25 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE is to attend the spinal injury charity REGAIN's prestigious Sports Award Luncheon on Friday 30 May 2008. The former heavyweight champion will join other sports personalities and tetraplegic men and women from across the UK for REGAIN's seventh awards lunch at The Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane, London.

REGAIN is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to improving the independence of people who have become tetraplegic (severely paralysed) as a result of a sporting accident. This includes riding, cycling, diving and rugby injuries. Men and women from all over Britain can apply for support from the charity.

The annual event is a celebration of sporting achievement and triumph over adversity. It is an opportunity to recognise the considerable achievements of tetraplegic men and women and an important aspect of the day is the opportunity it gives tetraplegics from across the UK to get together. Ticket costs for tetraplegic guests and their carers and partners are funded by the charity.

This year's REGAIN Tetraplegic Achievement in Sport Award will be made to inspirational yachtsman Geoff Holt who made history when he became the first disabled sailor to circumnavigate Britain single-handed. Geoff was paralysed from the chest down in a swimming accident 23 years ago at the age of 18. He is a passionate yachtsman who was voted BBC South Sports Personality of the Year in 2007.

Previous winners of the Tetraplegic Achievement in Sport award have been world number one tetraplegic tennis player Peter Norfolk; the world-class British wheelchair rugby team; paralysed sky diver Penny Roberts and in 2007, Paralympic archer John Cavanagh who won gold in Athens. Other awards presented at the luncheon include the Carer of the Year, Supporter of the Year and Special Services to Tetraplegics Award.

REGAIN Director Roger Belson said: "REGAIN recognises the tough challenges tetraplegics face every day. People who were fit and active sports people whose lives changed in a second when they sustained an injury.

"We recognise the exceptional achievements of our British sporting heroes but also salute tetraplegics who live life to the full despite their disability. We also recognise the exceptional care given by the recipient by presenting a Carer Award each year and we are delighted to welcome people of all abilities to this very special luncheon that celebrates achievement and success."
v Among the guests expected at this year's luncheon are sports personalities including former motor racing champion Damon Hill and former jockey and sports presenter Brough Scott; Lord Ivar Mountbatten who is the Chairman of REGAIN, as well as many corporate supporters and individuals with an interest in the work of the charity.

For further information about the work of REGAIN go to http://www.regainsportscharity.com.

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