Island bike ride will boost charity
Cash raised will benefit victims of limb loss
A Renfrewshire charity is getting on its bike and heading for Cumbrae.
Finding Your Feet will this weekend hold its annual family day out to raise money for those affected by amputation or limb difference, and it will include a 10k ride around the Ayrshire island.
The charity was founded by Lochwinnoch woman Corinne Hutton, who was herself affected by limb loss after a devastating bout of meningitis.
Amputee Dot Fulton, from Paisley, is one of those taking part.
Dot, 68, who found fame on Facebook last year after her prosthetic leg fell off as she was halfway up a wall at the charity’s climbing club, is excited to take on another new challenge. She said: “My advice is ‘just try it!’. “After rock climbing, I went on to do an abseil, then a zipline and now I’m cycling.
“I never thought I would do be able to do any of it, but I have.”
Fellow amputee Liz Yesil, also from Paisley, added: “I cycled around Millport about 30 years ago with my kids.
“This month will mark one year since my leg was amputated, so I want to celebrate it by taking on this challenge. “I’m so excited.” Some of those taking part in the cycle ride will be using tandem bikes for the 10km run, while others will be completing the challenge solo.
The cycle will be followed by entertainment and activities for the whole family at Garrison House, Cumbrae, between 12 and 3pm on Sunday.
The event, which is now in its third year, raises money and awareness for the work that the charity carries out across Scotland.
Corinne Hutton made history on Cumbrae when she cycled the fastest 10km ever travelled on a quadricycle.
She’s delighted that more people are pushing themselves.
“What we do is all about giving our amputees the opportunity to live life to the full, and experience as much as possible,” she said.
“I’m inspired every day by the people we work with.
“I think they’ll do the cycle no bother, and will go round twice next year.”
Finding Your Feet supports amputees in achieving rehabilitation and independence, providing opportunities for individuals and their families to come together and share memorable experiences, or simply socialise. From day trips, drop-in centres, coffee mornings and parties to climbing, skiing and swimming, their sessions are designed to meet the needs of all ages while providing an opportunity for amputees to have fun and benefit from some support.
You can find our more about the charity at www.findingyourfeet. net and sign up to take part this weekend by visiting www. findingyourfeet.net/millport