Welwyn Garden City: Charity to host open day with Jonathan Goodwin

Herts Ability helps people with disabilities get back to driving by providing assessments for driving and scooter mobility in the Hertfordshire area and beyond.

Jonathan, a 'daredevil' who appeared on BGT in 2019, will make an appearance at the open day on Friday, May 19, from 10am to 4pm, at the EXL Driving Centre in Harlow.

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The escapologist suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021 during a stunt rehearsal for spin-off show 'America's Got Talent: Extreme'. 

The stunt would have seen Jonathan escape a straitjacket while upside-down, 30 feet in the air, suspended between two cars. Instead, he became crushed between the cars as they caught fire. He was left paralysed from the waist down as a result. 

Since, he has been supported by Herts Ability, and will be on hand at the event to try out a number of vehicles.

Regarding his experience with Herts Ability, Jonathan said: "Last week I took my driving assessment so that I can drive an adapted vehicle using hand controls. Herts Ability does an incredible job in getting people safely back on the road. I can’t recommend them highly enough!"

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Sean Lawrence, CEO of Herts Ability, said: "As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we welcome the season of renewal and growth. From our annual open day, to welcoming new team members - there is so much to look forward to in the coming months." 

On the day, both professionals and members of the public will be able to access valuable knowledge regarding adapted driving WAVs (wheel-chair accessible vehicles) and equipment for travelling safety as a passenger either for them or for clients.

To find out more about the event, go to hertsability.org.uk/herts-ability-open-day/.