A striking new baton designed to symbolise inclusivity and innovation has been unveiled as part of Relay Your Way – Cerebra’s national relay set to unite communities across the UK.
At Cardiff’s Pedal Power on Saturday, March 8, families gathered to witness the big reveal and mark the opening of registrations for what is being hailed as Britain’s most inclusive relay.
Cerebra, the national UK charity dedicated to supporting children who have a neurological condition, created Relay Your Way to promote inclusivity in sports and ensure that no child is left on the sidelines.
Over 33 days, from Glasgow to Windsor, the baton will journey through towns and cities, bringing together thousands of people in a celebration of accessibility, adventure and inclusion.
1.5 million children in the UK have a disability with one in four regularly missing out on participating in sport. Which is why Cerebra created Relay Your Way so that no child has to ask: “can I take part?”
With relay stages ranging from a gentle 200-metre walk to an 80-kilometre cycling challenge, there are opportunities for everyone to take part across the country, regardless of ability.
One of the eager participants is 13-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Rice from Chepstow, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Imogen has worked closely with Cerebra’s Innovation Centre since she was just a year old. Their specialist engineers have designed bespoke equipment to help her enjoy activities from horse riding to triathlons – and even climb Pen y Fan. Now, she’s ready to take on a new challenge with the relay.
Imogen’s mum, Catherine, said: “Cerebra created an adapted wheelchair for Imogen when she was one.
“That’s led on to everything that Imogen does now. She now does a lot of wheelchair racing and last year won the Mini London Marathon.
“Had she not had those opportunities from Cerebra to use a wheelchair very early on in her development, she might not be where she is today in terms of sport either.
“They are just generally a fantastic charity. It’s lovely to be able to say to somebody who needs a bespoke item, contact Cerebra and they’ll help you.”
Designed to be as accessible as possible, the Relay Your Way baton was unveiled at The BIG Reveal event in Cardiff and is a symbol of the relay’s message that adventure, play, and sport is for everyone.
The baton was created by Cerebra’s Innovation team, who create hundreds of bespoke products every year to help children who have a neurological condition engage with the world around them.
The baton is adapted to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners – ensuring everyone can take part in the relay in their own way.
An interactive light feature produces a display for each leg of the journey, and it is fitted with a GPS tracker to allow supporters to track the relay’s progression from home.
The event promises to be a game-changer for inclusive sport in the UK. As the countdown to June 3 begins, communities are being encouraged to sign up and be part of a movement where everyone has a place.
Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO at Cerebra, said: “Cerebra is thrilled to announce Relay Your Way, a celebration of the power of sport, adventure and play to bring people of all abilities together. The personal challenge and joy of participating should be available to every child, and this relay is a powerful statement that no one should be left out.
“But this is more than just a relay. It’s a nationwide movement for inclusion, change, and celebration. Whether you take part, cheer from the sidelines, or donate, you’ll be helping to create a world where all young people are fully included, supported, and celebrated.”
Dr Ross Head, Cerebra Innovation Centre Lead, said: “The Cerebra Innovation Centre will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2025. From humble beginnings, we have found creative solutions to help thousands of children interact with the world around them.
“Whether it’s an adapted bike, a paddle board or a device to help a child throw a ball for their dog, each product has a real impact on a child’s life. We might only make one or two of each item, or we might produce hundreds, but they are so well used because it meets a real need for that child.
“Relay Your Way offers an opportunity to see all our adapted transport solutions out in the world, enabling children to take part in physical activity.”
To register and find out more, visit the Relay Your Way website www.relayyourway.org
