Water suits pioneer wins Envestors’ backing
A BUSINESS set up by an inspirational former footballer turned gold medal-winning transplant recipient, has won support from private investment network Envestors.
Terry Nelson, a former reserve player at Liverpool FC, is the founder of TNAR Limited, and has developed Aqua-Running, an underwater running buoyancy technology.
The company has secured £70,000 from Envestors to allow it to fulfill a recent deal with Real Madrid FC’s medical unit, Sanitas.
Sanitas will use the Aqua-Running suit for training and rehabilitation of injured players. The Rugby Football Union is another customer, while Mr Nelson also worked with top British skier Chemmy Alcott in her recovery from injury in 2010.
Crosby, Liverpool-based Mr Nelson, who was also a paratrooper before having to have the first of two kidney transplants, used aqua jogging in his training for the 1993 World Transplant Games in Vancouver, where he won gold in the 5,000 metres.
To secure the investment, he pitched at Envestors’ Next Big Thing event last July.
Tom Wilkins, managing director of Envestors, said: “Terry has worked tirelessly to develop a great idea into a great product and a strong brand. When you have those things, business angels will take notice and invest. TNAR highlights that investors will be playing a large role in the next year.
“The TNAR suit is set to have a significant impact on rehabilitation and fitness industries, in particular in partnerships with sports teams and the military. They have already sealed a deal with Real Madrid’s Sanitas medical services, and I look forward to supporting the company’s future.”
Terry Nelson said: “Developing the business has been a long road and I am delighted to have completed our fundraising. We look forward to helping those who are in physical rehabilitation as well as those in training by purchasing 1,000 more suits with the funding.”
