Six-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Lewis, who has cerebral palsy, will captain a charity team with a difference at this year’s Swansea Triathlon on 20th May. 

She will be supported around the course by a team of three designers from the Cerebra Innovation Centre based in Swansea.   

Cerebra helps families who have a child with a brain condition to discover a better life together. Their Innovation Centre, a partnership project with the University of Wales Trinity St David, design and make innovative and fun products for children with brain conditions. 

 Two years ago they were given the challenge of designing and making equipment to take eleven-year-old Poppy and her father to the finish line of triathlons. They designed a streamlined boat to be pulled for the swimming section, and a supportive chair that can be pulled and pushed for the cycling and running sections.  

The adventure continues this year with Imogen in charge! Imogen loves sport but has been turned away from participating in many activities because of her cerebral palsy, so she is thrilled to have the chance to compete and experience life in a way that would otherwise be impossible. 

The team from the Innovation Centre met Imogen a few years ago when they designed and made a beautiful tiny wheelchair that allowed her to move around her home and play with her brothers and her toys. The additional independence it gave her was amazing, as was the friendship they developed with Imogen and her family.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. 

Thank you, 

Team Imogen :)