Amputee-Adventures - Richard and Babs

Kilimanjaro Trek
in aid of the Limbless Association

September
2010

Richard and Babs

Limbless Association Kilimanjaro Challenge 2010: Richard Panton and Bab's Taylor's story: This is our story of how we became involved in the Limbless Associations's Kilimanjaro challenge.
	In April 2007 my niece Pollyanna ( Richard's niece) , then two years old lost her right leg below the knee in a tragic accident. Thanks to the marvels of prosthetic surgery Pollyanna is now a very spirited girl coming up to her fifth birthday who can walk ,run,skip,cycle, and do the hopscotch! There are of course ongoing difficulties because she is growing and she therefore requires surgery every two to three years inorder for new legs to be fitted. Despite the terrible trauma and diffficuties experienced Sarah,Christopher and their children (Barnaby,Sapphire and Pollyanna) last year raised a considerable amount for the Limbless Association.Sarah completed two half marathons in September and October 2009 , putting aside the horrific de-gloving injury she received to her left leg in the accident. And Christopher through his journalistic skills reached out to the public at large to raise the money. The children, friends and relatives were great cheering Sarah on at the O2 Run to the Beat half marathon in September 2009.

Sarah (Richard's sister) told me about the Kilimanjaro challenge.I wasn't too sure at first.All the organisation,fundraising and hardwork required seemed a little daunting. However when I met Ray and Stan I was infused with their enthusiasm which knocked obstacles aside! Just few weeks after signing up I met Babs, fell for her positive ,life affirming outlook and just a few more weeks later I had a partner to join me on this amazing trip. I now have someone who is willing to share a tent with me for ten consecutive days!

Babs and I hope to devise various schemes to raise money for the Limbless Association and also highlight public awareness about the many and varied issues faced by amputees.We wish to utilise our energies and positive attitude to make this hapen. However if you are reading this you can also help!

To do this please visit: www.justgiving.com/richard-babs

or email: rick.panton@btinternet.com to contact us directly.

Thank you,

Richard Panton & Babs Taylor