BIME was established in Bath in 1968. We are an independent charity but we work in partnership with the RUH in Bath and the University of Bath.

Our mission is to work alongside people with disabilities and healthcare problems to develop and apply technology to improve the quality of life for all. We are a team of professional design engineers, an Occupational Therapist, technicians and support staff, who work closely with disabled people, carers and healthcare professionals to benefit a wide range of people with disabilities varying from children with limited mobility to older people with dementia.

If you choose to run for us, the money you raise will enable us to provide more powered wheelchairs for children aged 18 months to 5 years, the Wizzybug, to families who would otherwise be unable to afford one, in the B&NES area.

The Wizzybug is a fun, powered vehicle for disabled children that allows them to experience early years mobility. It has a versatile range of controls and seating adjustments and can be used with close adult supervision indoors and out of doors. This includes accessible areas such as level gardens, playgrounds and parks, enabling children to have a fun experience with their "First Wheels."

There is currently no statutory funding for powered mobility for disabled children under 5 so each Wizzybug is loaned out repeatedly during its life, significantly increasing the number of children and families who benefit. The cost of providing each Wizzybug in the scheme is £4,250 and the total cost of the scheme is over £1 million, to fulfil the need in the UK. The Wizzybug Loan Scheme removes a financial burden from a family in need. There is also growing evidence that independent mobility is key to a child's development in their formative years and the Wizzybug enables children with mobility problems to attain the same level of development by experiencing exploration and developing spatial awareness, social interaction and motivation. See our website www.wizzybug.org.uk and YouTube Wizzybug channel http://bit.ly/Oihl0P for videos of Wizzybug in action!

This is BIME's first year with its own team so please help us get into the swing of things! By running for BIME you can help us continue to support local families in need.

We have 10 Silver Bond places which have now been allocated.

If you would like to run for BIME and already have your own place please let Emma know on 01225 824103 or email emma@bime.org.uk so we can send you your free Wizzybug t-shirt for the race!

If you would like to donate to Team Wizzy and raise money for families in need please visit our fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BIMETeamWizzy