Josh Wintersgill, entrepreneur, influencer and Paralympian hopeful, has been appointed by the charity Driving Mobility as its latest patron.
Supported by the Department for Transport, the national charity Driving Mobility coordinates a network of 20+ centres, many with outreach facilities, which provide ‘fitness to drive’ assessments, mobility equipment guidance and expertise on accessible transport options. It’s long-established patron, Baroness Thomas of Winchester, is now joined by Josh Wintersgill with a view to further championing the charity’s services and projects.
Josh’s achievements to date are impressive. Graduating in 2015 with a 1st Class Honours degree in Information Technology Management for Business, Josh also gained an Honorary master’s degree in technology management during his time in academia and was officially recognised for his contributions to inclusivity. In 2017 he established Able Move Ltd., an assistive travel product specialist, which led to Josh winning the 2018 UK Disabled Entrepreneurs Award run by the charity Leonard Cheshire and the Founder of EasyJet, Sir Stelios Haji-Loannou. He had experienced first hand the difficulties of being an air passenger with a disability so decided to tackle the issue through equipment innovation. The following year Josh became the Great British Young Entrepreneur of 2019 – all whilst working in a cyber security management role.
In the last few years, he has introduced sport to his dynamic and diverse life. Josh is aiming to qualify for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028 as part of Team GB’s shooting team. Despite training hard for this, he continues his charity work as Ambassador for Leonard Cheshire and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and is a long-standing trustee for Disabled Living. These responsibilities now include patronship of Driving Mobility.
Josh comments: “Driving assessment centres around the UK are vital to ensuring people can be supported with the transport they need to live as independently as possible. As someone who has experienced and appreciates the immense value these centres bring to people’s lives, I am delighted to be a patron of Driving Mobility and look forward to helping influence and support our UK’s network of driving assessment centres.”
Josh (Joshua) was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive muscular wastage condition and by the age of ten, started using a wheelchair full time. He drives a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and has lived independently since leaving his parental home at 18. Josh happily shares his experiences whether it be positive or negative, enabling others to follow their own passions and aspirations.
In conclusion, Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO, adds: “We are delighted that Josh is now a patron of our charity. His drive for change and commitment to inclusivity will definitely add value to our proposition as we continue to provide greater independence and mobility for disabled drivers, car passengers and users of public transport.”