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Serving up support for Paralympian Alfie – Rotary Good News Week

Serving up support for Paralympian Alfie – Rotary Good News Week

Alfie Hewett, who is currently representing Paralympics GB in the men’s wheelchair tennis, was in need of support for a vital piece of equipment – his off court wheelchair, and a number of Rotary clubs in East Anglia rallied together to raise the necessary funds in just three weeks to get Alfie kitted out in […]

Alfie Hewett, who is currently representing Paralympics GB in the men’s wheelchair tennis, was in need of support for a vital piece of equipment – his off court wheelchair, and a number of Rotary clubs in East Anglia rallied together to raise the necessary funds in just three weeks to get Alfie kitted out in time for Rio.

Alfie spends over 80% of his time in his off court, or ‘day chair’, so it is crucial that it is comfortable and durable for him to use when travelling to and from events, competitions and training.

Fundraising efforts were led by the Rotary Club of Diss & District, with contributions from Aylsham, Broadlands, Reepham & District, North Walsham and Wroxham Bure Valley Rotary clubs.

This is not the first time Rotary has come to Alfie’s assistance. Back in 2012, then 14-year-old Alfie was one of nine disabled sportsmen and women to receive sports wheelchairs, specifically designed to be used during competition in their respective sports.

That chair, adorned with the Rotary logo has travelled with Alfie to a number of events and even graced the world’s most prestigious tennis venue as Alfie won his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon earlier this year in the men’s wheelchair doubles, alongside partner Gordon Reid.

Trevor Sayer, pictured left alongside Alfie, a member of Diss & District Rotary Club and WheelPower Ambassador commented, “I have kept in contact with Alfie since we assisted him back in 2012. We recognised real talent in Alfie and this has been realised with him winning in many major tournaments in the last three years, culminating recently with him lifting the Wimbledon doubles crown and being selected as a Paralympian to represent GB wheelchair tennis in the Rio.”

Speaking to Mustard TV, Alfie said his new chair will make a huge difference, “I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. This is something I really feel can benefit my performance. A day chair is something you spend every minute of the day in, besides when you’re training and competing, so being comfortable and being in a chair that you feel is going to physically put you in the best position is something I felt like I needed.”

Hear more from Alfie and Trevor on MustardTV.

Published: Monday 12th September 2016

 

This week is the second Rotary Good News Week. Over the next five days, we’ll be celebrating five special stories from Rotary clubs and members from across Great Britain and Ireland.

To follow Rotary Good News Week, keep your eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages and use the hashtag #RotaryGoodNewsWeek to share your stories.

Read our other Good News Stories from this week below:

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