Grant Recipients

DBF has supported numerous individuals and groups with Bader Grants given towards a diverse range of goals, challenges and events.

Meet some of the people who have received a Bader Grant…We hope that they will inspire you to apply for support to achieve your own dreams.


Latest Bader Grant Recipient:

  • Name: Tegan Vincent-Cooke
  • Disability: Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy with Dystonia
  • Date awarded: February 2023
  • Type of award: Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: To assist with Para Dressage training costs
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Previous Recipients

  • Name: Oliver Vaughan-Jones
  • Disability: Repercussions from Neurological Disease
  • Date awarded: February 2023
  • Type of award: Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: To support Oliver to compete in some of the Adaptive World Tour Events and return to the ISA World Championships in December.
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  • Name: Hannah Dines
  • Disability: Cerebral Palsy
  • Date awarded: January 2023
  • Type of award: Douglas Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: Help with travel with support team of 2 to the USA to take part in the Para-Surfing World Championships
  • Background:

    Hannah Dines received a Bader Grant towards travel costs for her and 2 support staff to compete in the Surfing World Championships in the USA

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  • Name: Ellie Bush
  • Disability: PTSD and CFS/ME
  • Date awarded: January 2018
  • Type of award: Douglas Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: Grants given towards funding of Ellie's MA studies
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  • Name: Emma Stevens
  • Disability: Multiple Sclerosis
  • Date awarded: December 2019
  • Type of award: Douglas Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: Emma's grant was to assist her with purchasing adaptive equipment and support costs after starting to compete as a para dressage rider
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  • Name: Rob Franks
  • Disability: Amputee
  • Date awarded: February 2020
  • Awarded for: Rob's grant is awarded for essential sports equipment which will enable him to compete in Wheelchair Boxing
  • Background:

    Rob is an amputee who recently took up Wheelchair Boxing. He now wants to raise the profile of this relatively unknown sport and attract others to participate.

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Simon Heaps
  • Name: Simon Heaps
  • Disability: Amputee
  • Date awarded: January 2020
  • Awarded for: Financial assistance to compete In World Games
  • Background:

    Simon Heaps hopes to become the World Champion in Wheelchair Table Tennis. He is closer to that dream thanks to a Bader Grant.

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Mari Durward-Akhurst
  • Name: Mari Akhurst
  • Disability: Cerebral Palsy
  • Date awarded: February 2017
  • Awarded for: Mari’s grant helps to support her with regular strength and conditioning sessions which will aid her development as an elite athlete.
  • Background:

    Mari Akhurst, is a hugely promising Grade 1 Para Dressage Rider, whose ambition is to represent Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

    Mari has cerebral palsy that affects all four limbs and has left her weaker down her left side. As a result of her CP, her co-ordination, balance and muscle tone are all affected. She currently competes in Para Dressage at National and International level.

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  • Name: Richard Neumann
  • Disability: Spinal injury
  • Date awarded: April 2019
  • Type of award: Douglas Bader Grant
  • Awarded for: To support Richard to regain fitness through riding following spinal injury
  • Background:

    Following a serious injury playing rugby, Richard ended up in a wheelchair, advised he’d never walk again. He confounded the prognosis and having taken his first steps, discovered the benefits of horseriding for physical, mental and emotional health. He has found that he has a real aptitude for the sport and now he, with his beautiful horse Otto, intends to compete internationally and represent his country.

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Thomas Talbot
  • Name: Thomas Talbot
  • Disability: Cerebal Palsy
  • Date awarded: May 2018
  • Awarded for: Financial assistance to compete In sport
  • Background:

    Thomas, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, has shown tremendous courage and determination in pursuing his dream to get to the top of his chosen sport of RaceRunning.

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