Enable Law team tackle wheelchair rugby
Solicitors from Enable Law swapped briefing papers for battle‑ready wheelchairs when they joined an action‑packed wheelchair rugby session.
Enable Law partner Michelle Biddulph and solicitor Katherine Moyse left the office behind to take part in a lively taster session run by the West Country Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club.
It allowed them to experience first‑hand the intensity, skill and excitement of one of the UK’s fastest‑growing adaptive sports, in a show of support for disability sport across the South West.
The event, staged at Plymouth Life Centre, was sponsored by Enable Law and jointly delivered alongside charity partners from the Limbless Association, bringing together players, supporters, families and first‑time participants from across the region.
Wheelchair rugby – often described as a thrilling blend of rugby, basketball, ice hockey and American Football – proved a perfect showcase for the Hawks, who support disabled athletes throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
The day also highlighted the vital work of the Limbless Association, which provides practical and emotional support to amputees before and after amputation, helping individuals rebuild confidence, independence and quality of life.
West Country Hawks coach and chairman Adam Simmons said the atmosphere on the day spoke for itself.
“The atmosphere said it all and everyone had a great time,” said Adam. “There were smiles, laughter and a real buzz on court all day. Whether people were playing for the first time, returning to the sport, or simply watching, everyone felt involved.”
Those values were echoed by the Enable Law team, who fully immersed themselves in the experience.
Michelle, who leads the Enable Law's clinical negligence team and is based at firm's Exeter office, said: “Wheelchair rugby is clearly fast‑paced, inclusive and hugely empowering and the energy on and off the sports court was incredible.
“There was plenty of laughter, plenty of tries, and a real sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate the sport. I loved getting out on court – it’s so much fun, and it’s brilliant to see it going from strength to strength here in the South West.”
Bristol-based Katherine, a serious personal injuries specialist, added: “Everyone at Enable Law is incredibly proud to support both the West Country Hawks and the Limbless Association. They are invaluable organisations making a real difference to people’s lives.
“We received such a warm welcome and really valued the chance to engage with players, families and volunteers.
"One Hawks player told me how she had suffered an amputation, become isolated at home and had reluctantly gone along to a Hawks session and fell in love with wheelchair rugby.
"It had given her a new outlook on life and that kind of progression shows just how powerful days like this can be in terms of opening doors and creating new opportunities.”
With its mix of elite sport, grassroots inclusion and strong community spirit, the event demonstrated the growing impact wheelchair rugby is having across the region — and the importance of partnerships in helping more people discover sport, confidence and connection.
The West Country Hawks are keen to hear from new players and volunteers, whether people want to try wheelchair rugby for the first time, return to sport after injury or amputation, or support sessions and events behind the scenes.
No previous experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Anyone interested in finding out more can visit the West Country Hawks website.
The Limbless Association is the largest civilian limb loss charity in the UK. Since it was established in 1983, it has worked with amputees and sector professionals to offer information, advice and support for amputees, their family and friends and professionals. Enable Law is proud to support its mission through the provision of high-quality legal advice to volunteers and service users who have lost limbs due to medical negligence or a negligently-caused serious injury.
