The following is about Brendan Fitzgerald and why Brendan is
returning to complete his next Dream Challenge fifteen years after completing his first. We hope you find Brendan’s story as inspiring as we do.
Regaining my independence...
In 1998 I suffered a
fall which broke my neck. As a result I was diagnosed as Tetraplegic. This
means that I have paralysis from the neck down, which affects both my arms and legs.
My injury happened when I was only 38. I was fit and active,
and as a kick boxing instructor with two gorgeous children I enjoyed my life to
the full. Unfortunately this type of injury can happen to anyone, with
devastating effects. When I was going through my ‘darker times’ a charity called
Regain provided me with a handcycle in order for me to try and build up my strength
and fitness and help me to regain some independence.
I now want to do something to help others…
Regain is a charity which aims to improve the independence of British men and women who
have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports of leisure injury. I now want to do something to help others who are going
through what I went through.
To help Regain raise much needed funds I will be taking up
the challenge to hand cycle 400kms across Cuba. The event is Cycle Cuba
and is hosted by Dream Challenges.
A hand cycle is just as it sounds, a specially adapted
cycle that is propelled by the arms instead of the legs. I know it will be
tough (I am 55 and a bit of a desk jockey) especially using only my arms, but
it will be worth the effort as all funds raised will support the work of
Regain. They are the only charitable organisation in the country dedicated
solely to improving the independence of people like myself who have become
tetraplegic as a result of an accident.
I had completed similar previous challenges, hand cycling
across Malawi and San Francisco but this was 15 years ago, so things have
changed a bit. I chose to do another bike ride as I had thoroughly enjoyed the
previous ones so much, and the feeling of achievement and camaraderie were so
good that it is difficult to put into words.
My life is now back on track...
Although I am still a permanent wheelchair user, my life is
now back on track and I am loved, healthy and happy. My training is going well,
and my fundraising is on track. I am thoroughly looking forward to completing
the event with my better half Tricia Taylor, and would say to anyone who is
considering doing such an event…just Go For it. If I can do it…..so can you.
To see more of Brendan’s story please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Brenf2/
Feel inspired? To find out more
about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly:
W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk/index.php . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410
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