West Yorkshire’s Zach Eagling Takes Part In Annual Event

A 10-year-old boy from Liversedge has been showing off his ‘super powers’ by taking part in the Superhero Series event powered by Marvel.

Zach Eagling was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three after suffering a brain injury at birth.  The condition affects his mobility and cognitive development.  He also lives with epilepsy.

Following Zach’s diagnosis, his mum Claire Keer instructed medical negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her son’s care.  The legal team secured a settlement earlier this year, which will ensure Zach has access to the lifetime specialist treatment and therapies he requires.  It also helped Zach and Claire with their recent move into an adapted house.

Now, Zach has completed the Superhero Series challenge, which is sponsored by Irwin Mitchell and superhero creators Marvel.  The event ran from 17 July to 14 August.

Zach completed more than three miles on his specialist trike. He used his orthotic footwear and enjoyed learning a new skill.  This comes just one year after he raised £20,000 for the Epilepsy Society by walking laps of his garden as part of the 2.6 Challenge.

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“Over the past few years, Zach has defied expectations again and again. He also shows so much courage and determination, and it’s a pleasure to know him.

He already raised an impressive total for the Epilepsy Society last year and has continued his fund-raising this year by participating in the Superhero Series event.

Zach has so much support from Claire, who has always told him not to let his disability stop him from doing what he wants. He makes her proud every day and has been such an inspiration to all of us.

We look forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve in the future.”
Rachelle Mahapatra - Partner

Due to his disability, Zach has difficulty with walking, talking and writing.  He benefits from regular input from a range of therapists.

Meanwhile, he and Claire recently campaigned for the introduction of Zach’s Law to strengthen the laws in relation to online bullying.

The At Home Superheroes challenge is Zach’s latest achievement.  It replaced the Superhero Tri event last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Speaking after the event, Claire said: “Zach wanted to take part in the Superhero Series as he was determined to show others that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.

“He got right into the spirit of it, even coming up with a superhero name for himself – Z-dog!  He also said along with his determination, kindness and silliness, his super power is his wicked smile and fluttery eyelashes, which I would have to agree with!

“He said he found the pedalling super hard and needed some help from his equipment to complete his challenge.  He also had to pace himself as his legs get very tired.  But he wanted to remain as active as possible as it helps him get stronger and be more independent.

“The past couple of years have been such a journey for us both and I’ve never been prouder of what Zach’s achieved.”

More than 13 million people in the UK live with a disability, yet only one in eight regularly take part in any sport, despite the physical and psychological benefits it brings.  Now in its fifth year, the Superhero series allows people of all ages to join forces with other heroes nationwide and do as much as they can, without worries over cut off times or equipment restrictions.

Highlights from At Homes Superheroes will be shown on Channel 4 on Saturday 21 August at 8am.