Two friends who formed a close relationship during lockdown, through an online amputee group, have managed to meet for the first time ever and went head-to-head in a mobility scooter race. Tony and Des decided to make the most of their first meet and raise money as part of the virtual Kiltwalk and so far, have raised more than £1,400. The race, held at Ashfield Stadium – home of Glasgow Tigers Speedway – was organised by charity group, Finding Your Feet.
Corinne Hutton, of Finding your Feet, said: “On Friday, they ‘pimped their rides’ with tartan accessories and go faster stripes. We had chequered flags and loud hooters to add some atmosphere. We have to have our laughs in any way we can and in true Finding Your Feet style, the quirkier, the better.”
Finding New Friends
The pair were both desperate to meet each other. Tony Smith is 59 and from Drumchapel, he had both his legs amputated above the knee in 2019 due to a vascular disease. Des Erskine is 65, from Bathgate and lost one of his legs three years ago, and the other two years ago due to a motorbike accident.
Tony would regularly attend local meet-ups in Paisley for fellow amputees. When the pandemic hit, they moved them online and people across the country joined in – that’s where the two men met. They hit it off and realised they have so much in common, they’re both sons of miners and both married hairdressers and through their chats have found many coincidences and similarities throughout their lives.
The pair were so desperate to meet and have held on until restrictions eased to allow them to travel – they decided to do it in style while raising money to help others.
Finding Your Feet
Volunteers from the charity paid a visit to Tony in hospital after his amputation in 2019, since then, he’s been heavily involved with activities, meets and trips specifically arranged for amputees.
Tony said: “The charity means a whole lot to me. It is the difference between me still being alive and very active to being possibly, not being here.”
Isolation can be a big issue for amputees and is the largest cause of deterioration, Finding your Feet removed the isolation and help to keep individuals active amongst the community. Tony used to walk for miles and was an avid munro climber but at the moment he can only walk on level surfaces and used his wheelchair or mobility scooter to get around.
Over 900 amputees have joined the online Zoom chats since the pandemic broke out and has become a highlight for many of them. They can take part in fitness classes, yoga, quizzes and more.
If you’d like to find out more about this amazing charity, visit their website here.
