Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Way to go, Alan!
Amputee beats challenge
Remarkable Airdrie grandfather Alan Taylor has conquered the West Highland Way.
Earlier this year, we reported on how Alan, whose right leg was amputated in 2010 after he suffered an aneurysm before he lost his other leg six years later following a blood clot, intended to tackle the tough trek for charity Finding Your Feet, which supports amputees.
And the dedicated 62- year- old wheelchair user completed his weeklong 150km journey earlier this week.
Alan was given an “emotional sendoff ” at the start of his tough trek by family members before being piped off by fellow amputee Hope Gordon, who begged doctors to remove her left leg and is another keen supporter of Finding Your Feet.
Alan said: “It was lovely to have my family, friends, Finding Your Feet founder Corinne Hutton and Hope Gordon there to wish me all the best at the starting line.
“The whole experience was fantastic and while there was the odd challenging moment, it was hugely rewarding to complete the journey.
“I received a lot of wonderful support from everyone and hope, when the final total is collated, to find we’ve raised a healthy total for Finding Your Feet.”
Ahead of his trek, Alan was warned that some of the paths on the route would be tricky for his electric scooter.
Finding Your Feet then got in touch with off- road mobility device manufacturers Terrain Hopper, who kindly offered to donate the vehicle for Alan’s journey.
Alan said: “Even though I was sitting down, it was physically demanding because of all the rocks and boulders about.
“But the Terrain Hopper was excellent; I did a lot of research into it and practised using it beforehand.
“It was very smooth and a real help to me on my journey.”
Alan’s challenge was a real family affair, as he explained: “My daughter Vicki did five days with me and my son Darren joined me for the last two days.
“Members of the Finding Your Feet team popped in and out as well to offer their support.”
Grandfather- of- four Alan credits Finding Your Feet with helping him turn his life around and since being introduced to the charity last year, has begun swimming, visiting amputees in hospital and even tried go-karting.
He added: “Before meeting with Finding Your Feet, I was stuck in the house watching daytime television.
“I heard about the charity through someone I’d met and when I went to the first meeting I thought, ‘is this for me?’
“But I returned and have never looked back; I began volunteering and I’m now able to talk with others going through amputations.
“Just sitting in a room with people in the same boat as me made me realise that things weren’t all bad.
“Finding Your Feet has given me my confidence back and I did this to repay them. I’d also like to show other amputees and disabled people that you can still achieve things you thought beyond your capability.”
Donations to Alan’s fundraising campaign can be made by visiting mydonate. bt. com/ fundraisers/ alantaylorwhw/
To find out further details about Finding Your Feet, go online at www. findingyourfeet.net