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# Stroke survivor's lived experience inspires Suffolk's first Disability Pride event
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/stroke-survivors-lived-experience-inspires-suffolks-first-disability-pride-event/
- Published: 2025-01-14T08:16:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:25:42.000Z
- Description: 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.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Events & Things To Do, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, #article, Suffolk Mobility Solutions, Suffolk Mobility Events, ActivLives, Suffolk Mind, UK Ducks In A Row, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1736802792-ian-and-g-bell-edited-1.png)

Ian Bell with his wife G (Suffolk Mobility Solutions)

**Behind the event**: The event is being organised by [Suffolk Mobility Events](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-mobility-events/) and [UK Ducks In A Row](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/activlives/) and [Suffolk Mind](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/felixstowe-disability-pride-11th-july-2025-registration-1148309236839?ref=ipswich.co.uk) to reserve a place at the event. To contact the organisers or sponsor the event, please email [felixstowedisabilitypride@gmail.com](mailto: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.

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