ECT Charity (ECT) was delighted to be chosen as transport partner for Parallel London, the world’s first fully accessible and inclusive mass participation run for everyone of all ages and abilities.
Building on the legacy of the London Paralympics, the event was held at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Park, and transport accessibility was an integral part of the event. Thousands of people took part.
ECT delivered the accessible shuttle service to and from the start line, meeting both participants and spectators at Stratford station, and transporting them safely back to the station after enjoying the run.
Equipment was no barrier to entry, and ECT helped almost 250 participants in one day, using all types of mobility aids, get to and from the park - from power assisted wheelchairs to guide dogs, and walking sticks to crutches.
16-year old Jessica Howard (pictured above with her supporters), who is deafblind, used the shuttle service with her walking buddy Ronnie, to get to the start line of the 5km walk. She was raising money for Sense, a deafblind charity that has supported her since she was a child. Jessica said about the shuttle service: “The 5km was a real challenge for me. The accessible shuttle service saved us from further exhaustion before and after the race, and allowed me, my family and my walking buddy, Ronnie, to use transport and stay together, which was great.”
Another passenger, Dawn, was representing recovery4wellbeing, a mental health charity, with the support of her dog, Boris. She said: “Without this accessible transport service, I would not have been able to participate because it would have been too demanding for me to get to the start of the race. Boris was able to travel with me, and the team dropped us both off at the tube and helped me celebrate Boris winning his own medal!”
Another passenger, Richard Bennet, a wheelchair user, said: “These kinds of accessible services are so vital for people with mobility difficulties to allow them to participate fully."
Diane Morgan, Project Manager at ECT Charity, said: “We had so much positive feedback from the event, which was a testament to the excellent teamwork and outstanding contributions from our staff who believe so passionately in what we are doing. For me, it was truly one of the best days we have covered at a special sporting event such as this.”
Anna Whitty, CEO of ECT Charity, said: “ECT is so proud to have partnered for such a fabulous event. We met some wonderful people who were truly inspiring. We were able to share in the joys of the athletes, their medals and their achievements, which they were so proud to share with us.
“We are committed to a quality model that we have perfected over various major sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Invictus Games 2014, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and now Parallel London. We are delighted to have been part of an event that champions accessibility for all, and understands the role of accessible transport to achieve that vision. We feel privileged to have been part of the day's success, and to have made a difference by enabling people with mobility difficulties to attend and participate in this very special event.”
Parallel London Founder, Andrew Douglass said: ‘It was really important to us that our values of inclusivity and accessibility was present at every conceivable touchpoint of our event experience. One of the most vital aspects was accessible transport – we chose to work with ECT because of their experience and knowledge and I have to say their excellent on-the-ground teams also added to a very successful day.’
