Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Sport Dimensions supports Spinal Research

International charity Spinal Research has become the chosen charity for the Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Performance Centre, Sport Dimensions.

Spinal Research, a charity dedicated to funding research into spinal cord repair, was chosen to benefit from Sport Dimensions because of their Back Project. The Back Project is a specific project aimed at prevention, treatment and management of acute and chronic back pain. This is achieved through Sport Dimensions multi-disciplinary approach and their unique treatment and rehabilitation protocols.

Spinal Research will be Sport Dimensions charity for 2007 with a variety of fundraising activities to help raise money and awareness for the charity. Whilst posters, collections boxes and charity wristbands will be displayed around the Centre all year round, Sport Dimensions also intend to fundraise with specific events each quarter. Full details have yet to be finalised, but is likely to be an awareness day and sponsorship of a Spinal Research sporting event or a raffle.

Later in the year, Sport Dimensions propose to sell the charity’s popular range of Christmas cards. It is hoped that a significant amount of money can be raised for Spinal Research during 2007.

Michael Nicol, Rehabilitation Director at Sport Dimensions says “We want to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and in turn help fund treatments to repair damaged spinal cords and give hope to millions of paralysed people worldwide. Many people do have first hand experience of a spinal injury or have witnessed the devastating effect that spinal injuries have - not only on the sufferer but also their family and friends. We are keen to see spinal research progress and we are excited to be given this opportunity to help raise awareness and funding.”

Carol Borwick, Head of Fundraising for Spinal Research says “I am really pleased to welcome Sport Dimensions as our newest corporate supporter and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in the year to come. Their support will ultimately make a difference to the 1000's of paralysed people in the UK and around the world.”

Log on to www.sportdimensions.com to find out more about Sport Dimensions and their support of Spinal Research. Alternatively if you wish to help raise money by organising your own event, taking part in a marathon or simply holding a quiz night, Spinal Research provides support and information for fundraisers – so call for your fundraising pack today on 01483 898786, or visit www.spinal-research.org.

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For more info, contact Michael Nicol (Sport Dimensions) on 020 8563 0007. Alternatively you can contact Carol Borwick (Spinal Research) on 01483 898786.

NOTES TO EDITORS
•Spinal Research focuses on finding ways to repair damaged spinal cords – something long thought impossible. Established in 1980, the charity raises money for groundbreaking projects at scientific and medical institutions around the world. In every aspect of its activities, whether in raising funds or in allocating funds to research projects, Spinal Research works in accordance with the highest scientific and ethical principles and currently receives no direct funding from the UK government.
•The spinal cord, part of the central nervous system, cannot repair itself unaided. Spinal cord injury is about more than paralysis of the arms, legs and torso; it also affects sensation, the body’s control systems and sexual function.
•The typical victim of spinal cord injury is a young, active person, often the victim of a road accident or fall. More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, and around 700 more are added to this list every year. The average age at which paralysis occurs is young – just 19 or 20.
•For further information on spinal cord injury and other ways to support research efforts visit: www.spinal-research.org