Brother helps Paralympic cyclist fulfil 2012 dream

Technology specialist Brother is sponsoring Welsh paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson MBE to help him fulfil his London 2012 ambition.

The Manchester-based company is lending its support to the 44-year-old Beijing gold medallist after being inspired by his story of ambition, drive, energy and resilience.

As part of a sponsorship deal, Simon will support Brother's 141% Ambition campaign which is encourages ambitious, growing businesses to achieve more and set themselves apart from the competition.  Simon will provide motivational talks and support training sessions with Brother's sales teams and their customers.

Simon was seriously injured after a cycling accident in 2001 which broke his back in two places and shattered his leg.  With a support system fitted to his spine, Simon used his love for cycling to rebuild his fitness and in 2008 became part of the now legendary Great Britain cycling team at the Beijing Paralympics.

Phil Jones, sales and marketing director for Brother, and keen cyclist, said: "Simon's story is an inspiration and demonstrates how a life-changing moment can become a life-defining road to success.

"At Brother we support people and businesses that have the drive and ambition to succeed at what they do. Simon is the perfect ambassador for us as he represents all of these qualities and has achieved beyond what anyone could ever have imagined."

Simon said: "It's great to have the support of a company that shares the same passion and drive for business that I have for cycling. I'm looking forward to working with the team at their training events and, with Brother's support, continuing my training that will hopefully get me to the 2012 Paralympics."  

Simon's sponsorship will go towards various training and cycling events, including the Welsh Dragon Ride in June and the Para-Cycling World Championships later this year.