Grant Assists With Travel, Accommodation And Training Costs

A talented teenage athlete from Jarrow has received a funding boost from national law firm Irwin Mitchell as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting disability sport initiatives across the UK.

Ellie O’Halloran, 14, is a member of Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club and recently won five gold medals and a silver while competing for the North East team at the National Junior Disability Championships held at Warwick Athletics Stadium in June.

She is set to use a £500 grant from Irwin Mitchell to fund her travel and accommodation for events outside of the North East, while she has already used part of it to access new equipment to support her training.

The law firm provided Ellie with the financial support as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative. Backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft MBE, the campaign aims to highlight the benefits of disability sport and boost participation in such activities.

Angela Kirtley, a Partner and medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

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“At Irwin Mitchell, we believe in building strong links within the communities in which we work, and supporting good local causes.

“Ellie is a hugely committed and talented young athlete and is a huge inspiration. Her recent performance at the National Junior Disability Championships has highlighted the huge potential that she possesses.

“We are delighted to have offered her some support and wish her all of the best for the future.” Angela Kirtley - Partner

Claire O’Halloran, Ellie’s mother, added: “We are hugely grateful to Irwin Mitchell for their support and it has made such a difference already. Ellie is having a fantastic year and the new equipment we have bought has supported her training and helped her boost her PBs in the past couple of months.

“We are so proud of everything she has achieved so far and are delighted to see an organisation like Irwin Mitchell recognise the talent she undoubtedly has.”

The Don’t Quit, Do It grant programme from Irwin Mitchell offers individuals, disability sport charities and groups an opportunity to apply for help with the cost of training, equipment or participation in major events. Since its launch it has provided more than £50,000 to a range of different projects in the UK.

Irwin Mitchell is a proud supporter of disability sport and has partnerships with the England Amputee Football Association, Boccia England and a host of other related organisations. Furthermore, last year the firm was the Official Legal Services Provider of the World Para Athletics Championships in London and a supporter of the Superhero Series held at Dorney Lake in Windsor.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's Don't Quit, Do It campaign.