Stelios celebrates Amputees in Action at Growing Business Awards
At the glittering Real Business/ CBI Growing Business Awards held last night, EasyJet’s Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou presented a unique award to John Pickup, founder of Amputees in Action, which specialises in supplying amputee extras and stuntmen for the big screen.
Stelios, who worked with Leonard Cheshire Disability to set up the award, applauded Pickup’s “drive, creativity and determination to reach the top and really fly”, as he handed over a £50,000 cheque to the actor-turned-entrepreneur.
Pickup said the prize money would “help our people realise some of their dreams” and would be invested “in a project to work with the stunt register and Actors Equity to develop a competency award system that would enable amputees to perform stunts”. He added: “I believe that a positive approach is the way to overcome the fear, prejudice and misconception that often stand in the way of disabled people." Sophie Down of Leonard Cheshire Disability said the charity’s partnership with Stelios goes a long way to “highlight the barriers disabled people face in the workplace and recognise the outstanding achievement of disabled entrepreneurs.”
Amputees in Action’s artists have featured in big-screen blockbusters from Gladiator and 28 Weeks Later, to Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan. Closer to home, the firm’s talent has appeared in hit TV show, Doctor Who. Related articles:Stelios: "People used to confuse me with Harry Enfield's TV character Stavros!""Disability is no barrier to business," says Stelios Stelios helps disabled entrepreneursStartup awards: Triumph over adversity