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Stroke survivor's lived experience inspires Suffolk's first Disability Pride event

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A life-changing stroke and a powerful experience at Chester's Disability Pride sparked a Suffolk couple's mission to bring disability celebration and awareness to Felixstowe's seafront.

Why it matters: Disability Pride Month is marked every July to celebrate diversity and raise awareness, but Suffolk has never held its own dedicated event – until now.

The big picture: The inaugural event, taking place on Friday, 11 July, will transform Felixstowe's promenade into a celebration of diversity and inclusion, featuring a parade and trade exhibition aimed at showcasing services that improve the lives of disabled people.

Ian and G Bell
Ian Bell with his wife GSuffolk Mobility Solutions

Behind the event: The event is being organised by Suffolk Mobility Events and UK Ducks In A Row. Clare Lucas, co-director of the company, called it a “chance for people with disabilities to come together and celebrate being themselves, no matter their differences.”

For co-director Ian Bell, it's a "deeply personal" project. His wife, Glynis, known as G, suffered a stroke just eight weeks after their wedding in 2012.

"From that day, our lives changed, and I started to understand the difficulties faced by people who have experienced sudden trauma," he said.

A special location: The choice of Felixstowe carries special significance for the couple. It was here that G walked for the first time since her stroke 12 years ago, during their visit in 2024.

Event details:

  • Starts at 11:30 at SeaYou Café & Restaurant

  • Procession along the promenade

  • Ends at Felixstowe Leisure Centre with trade exhibition

  • Proceeds will benefit ActivLives and Suffolk Mind

"This is a celebration of resilience and community, and I hope it inspires others to recognise the value of inclusion and accessibility," Bell said.

How to get involved: Click here to reserve a place at the event. To contact the organisers or sponsor the event, please email felixstowedisabilitypride@gmail.com

The bottom line: While Disability Pride events have been held across the UK since 2014, this marks Suffolk's first celebration – transforming a personal journey of recovery into a community-wide celebration of diversity and resilience.

Felixstowe Disability Pride

Suffolk's first-ever Disability Pride event comes to Felixstowe seafront, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity within our community.

  • Other
  • 11 July
  • 11:30-15:00
Felixstowe Disability Pride
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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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