A FORMER police officer who suffered a life-changing injury while on duty is embarking on a new career by launching a line of adaptive clothing for disabled children.
Helen Hignett-Clawson, suffered a head injury which left her register disabled after being beaten up on duty with Greater Manchester Police in 2010.
The mum-of-three, from Middlewich, retired from the force with a range of debilitating conditions – including PTSD and hemiplegic migraine disorder – on Christmas Eve 2016.
But despite these challenges, Helen returned to higher education and now hopes to have a positive impact on the world of clothes design.
The 40-year-old founded her own company - Adaptive Clothing UK - and is looking to launch her debut collection this coming spring.
"My mission is to help parents and carers to dress children who have physical limitations with more ease and less pain,” said Helen.
"A lot of the clothes I have seen on the market for children with additional needs prioritise functionality over fashion.
"The closures are very visible, and there tends to be limited fabric options.
"I was determined, therefore, that our adaptative features would be concealed, and that the prints would be vibrant and contemporary.
"All the labels are printed on the fabric, and we have consciously used flat stitching to minimise discomfort and any sensory triggers.
"We have added poppers in strategic locations to make dressing and changing faster – reducing discomfort and stress for everyone involved."
The collection will include everyday basics such as T-shirts, joggers and leggings, as well as sun safe swimsuits, vests and onesies.
It is designed for babies and children up to the age of 16 and will be manufactured in the UK.
Helen decided to initially focus on childrenswear in honour of 12-year-old niece Lilly, who has multiple developmental disabilities – including autism.
She added: "I am so grateful to my husband and children for helping me with dressing when needed, but a few thoughtful changes to the way clothes are designed could make life easier for us all.
"I knew I wanted to launch a clothing collection, but it’s my niece Lilly and her challenges that have made me focus my first ever range on babies and young people.
"I want to help create a world where children like Lilly, who is partially blind and has sensory processing disorder, can experience clothes as an enabler rather than a barrier.
"An added bonus is that these clothes are inclusive for the whole family and not restricted to children with physical limitations, so any child can benefit from the ease of access."
Helen is supported in new venture by her family, including 11-year-old daughter Mia, who received a Pride of Britain award in 2021 after saving her mum's life when she suffered a seizure.
She will be sharing her journey, as well as taking advance orders, via her Facebook page at facebook.com/adaptiveclothinguk.
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