Salts Healthcare gets Stratford adaptive rowers back on the water
The Birmingham-based company came to the rescue after the Stratford Herald publicised how the squad was unable to row as their safety boat’s elderly engine had broken down irreparably
Seated left front: Caroline Salt, Salts Healthcare; centre, Phil Startin, adaptive athlete; Mandy Lawton, adaptive athlete; seated back row, Mark Dewdney, Stratford BC's Head Adaptive Coach; standing back row, Jade Swinfen, Director, Avon Boating; Curtis Dickens, adaptive athlete
Recently, Stratford’s disabled athletes stopped being able to get out on the river because the engine on their specialised rescue safety launch Juno had irrevocably broken down after seventeen years’ service and funding for new one was urgently needed. Having the adaptive squad off the water was a major blow not only for the club as well as for the athletes’ wellbeing and exercise
The need for a new engine for the adaptive safety launch was highlighted by Stratford Herald who came to the assistance of Stratford BC by publicising the plight of the adaptive section being off the water and this was picked up by Caroline Salt of Salts Healthcare. Andy Veale, Editor of Stratford Herald said, “The Stratford Herald, like Stratford BC, is at the heart of the community in Stratford and surrounding area and we were delighted to be of help and bring the two organisations together.”
Getting the adaptive launch back onto the river was also helped by the speedy operation of Stratford BC’s neighbours, Avon Boating, who ordered the engine and fitted it free in record time. Mark Dewdney, Head Adaptive Coach at Stratford BC said, “Having Juno back on the water has meant a lot to our adaptive athletes in terms of their recreation and subsequent wellbeing: we are so grateful to Salts Healthcare for sponsoring the new engine. Stratford BC has several ambitious projects in hand to enable us to offer rowing to a wider audience of disabled athletes to coincide with our celebration of our 150th anniversary next year in 2024!”
Stratford’s longest serving adaptive sculler Hattie Throssell (l) presents Caroline Salt (r) with a bouquet in thanks
Salts Healthcare is one of the UK’s oldest family-run companies that has grown to become a highly successful international medical device manufacturer. Today, the Salts Healthcare family of companies is more diverse than ever but their dedication to designing life-changing products remains the same. Paul Stanton, Stratford upon Avon BC’s President, said, “Salts Healthcare is a natural ‘fit’ with Stratford’s adaptives as we share common beliefs and goals: both organisations care, listen and innovate to improve lives, working to find better solutions, seize opportunities and overcome barriers.” Commenting further, Caroline Salt said, “The link between Salts Healthcare and Stratford BC is a long established one with many members of the Salt family having rowed with the club and Philip Salt, the former CEO of Salts Healthcare, having been Captain at the club: we know that the link is a strong one and will continue into the future.”
