Community thanked for putting heart and sole into charity drive

Forfar Rotary Club has praised the local community for an outstanding response to their latest appeal, with a plea for more people to step up in support.

International committee members have spent recent days sorting out hundreds of pairs of shoes donated to help the 500 Miles charity set up by former law executive Olivia Giles, whose determination has supported countless children and adults in Africa.

International convenor Tim Hale said: “We have over 250 pairs ladies, gents and children’s shoes of all shapes and sizes and will keep collecting until the end of October so we would love people to keep donating their unwanted footwear.”

Olivia Giles contracted the blood poisoning form of meningitis in February 2002, which led to the amputation of her hands and feet.

Since setting up the charity in 2008 she has raised close to half a million pounds to raise awareness of meningitis and provide prosthetic treatment for children and adults.

Mr Hale added: “We have been asked why the appeal is for pairs of shoes when it is needed for amputees.

“The simple answer is that a pair means that the artificial limb is fitted as well, giving a better stance and walking ability.

“Patients may also have a double amputation.

“From the collection points in the town, the response has been great with praise from the public for the efforts of Rotarians by raising awareness of this much needed aid.

“It seems so simple. Shoes lie in cupboards, wardrobes etc. and never see the light of day and yet can bring so much to the lives of those in Malawi and Zambia.”

500 Miles is now run solely by Olivia who has done an incredible job in getting the charity going and providing prosthetic treatment for countless children and adults in Malawi and Zambia.

Forfar Rotary Club was founded in 1947 and is committed to working for the community within Forfar as well as taking part in international projects, such as the End Polio Now campaign.

The club welcomes new members and details on how to join can be found online.

Rotarians Andrew Renwick, Colin Muir and Tim Hale with some of the donated footwear.