Meet the Sponsors Helping to Power Race Across Europe in a Series 5
With just a few weeks to go until the Race Across Europe in a Series 5 begins, final preparations are well underway and we’re gearing up for an exciting few days! Behind the scenes, we’ve been busy working to get everything in place, from planning travel routes and finalising filming schedules, to booking accessible hotel rooms and ensuring the trip is comfortable, fun and worry-free for our competitors.
Travelling as a wheelchair user often means thinking several steps ahead. Stations, airports, hotels, extra luggage, transport links and toilets are just some of the logistics that need to work together for a trip to go smoothly. It takes time, research and the right equipment, but when everything comes together it opens up incredible opportunities, which is exactly what Race Across Europe is about!
Of course, the race would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who’ve stepped up to make this challenge achievable for every participant. These amazing companies are providing a wide range of support, resources and equipment to help us show just how far disabled people can go.
Carstens
Carstens is one of our key distributors in Germany and a long-standing supporter of high quality mobility products. The team have over 30 years experience, with five locations in Baden-Württemberg.
Their team has been instrumental in helping us prepare for the Race Across Europe, by providing a Series 5 powerchair for Katharina to use during the journey. Their local expertise and commitment to accessibility have made them an invaluable part of the race team behind the scenes.
They are also partnering with another Freedom One Life distributor, Rehaform, to deliver the Series 5 to Katharina and give her our full test drive experience before she gets to the starting line.
The Carstens team will be posting regular updates from the race on their Instagram channel, follow them to keep up to date with Katharina’s journey.
Find out more about Carstens here
Lattrich
Lattrich is another one of our valued distribution partners in Germany that has agreed to support this challenge. Specialising in assistive equipment for care and rehabilitation, Lattrich are based in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions.
For the race, they’ve supplied a portable shower and commode setup to help ensure the trip runs smoothly for one of our racers, and highlight some of the often overlooked but essential items disabled travellers need when travelling for a longer trip or holiday.
Find out more about Lattrich here
Handi-Move 
Handi-Move develops innovative lift and transfer systems that offer safety, comfort and independence for people with limited mobility.
Find out more about Handimove here
For this trip, we’re excited to have the Handi-Move team join us on the journey, as they will be supporting our contestant, Oli, with a hoist that will be available throughout the journey. Their technology ensures he can transfer comfortably wherever the team goes, which is a vital part of making the entire race accessible.
Keep up to date with Handimove’s Instagram during the race
Lightbug
Lightbug creates compact GPS trackers designed to work globally, without relying on WiFi or mobile signals. Our founder, Alex, has used their products to keep an eye on where his Series 5 is when flying for a number of years, and the Lightbug team kindly offered to sponsor Race Across Europe.
They’ve provided trackers for all four competitors, so everyone can follow their progress in real time across Europe and you’ll spot the devices being fitted and used in our behind-the-scenes footage. Lightbug’s tech is helping us capture the journey, stay organised, and make sure everyone (and every powerchair) is where they should be!
Find out more about Lightbug here
BES Healthcare 
BES Healthcare are specialists in postural support and assistive technology, and their products are helping our racers stay comfortable and secure throughout the challenge. We work with them on a regular basis for some custom options for our Series 5 customers.
They’ve provided a range of Bodypoint chest and hip belts, along with positioning straps, to help Haydn and Katharina maintain good posture. These are the small but important custom details that make all the difference.
Find out more about BES Healthcare here
CBF Darmstadt 
CBF Darmstadt is a German non-profit dedicated to improving accessibility for disabled people, and one of their valuable services is the Eurokey system. Eurokeys unlock accessible toilets across Europe, removing one of the biggest barriers disabled travellers often face. They’ve provided keys for all four racers, and we’ll be sharing videos of the team using them on their routes. Their support is making confident, independent travel possible at every stage of the race.
CBF also offers an app that helps users find accessible toilets in unfamiliar places across Europe, a practical tool our participants will be able to make use of.
Download their EU WC Finder app here
Find out more about CBF Darmstadt here
A Huge Thank You
To all our sponsors – thank you! Your support isn’t just helping a few people travel across Europe, but showing what’s possible when disabled people are equipped with the right tools, support and belief.
Want to get involved? Drop us a message to learn how you or your organisation can be part of what’s next.
