Callander to Kilimanjaro

Jul 3 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

GARY BARLOW, Cheryl Cole, Ronan Keating and co famously undertook an inspirational charity trek up Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year.

But Callander woman Lynne Murray, who broke her back in a car accident 12 years ago, has the best inspiration in the world to take on the same challenge – her son Stewart.

Lynne, who is usually seen working for local charity Heart to Heart or swimming and exercising at the McLaren Leisure Centre, is set to face the challenge of a lifetime as she prepares to climb the peak in August.

“This has been something I’ve wanted to achieve for more than 10 years,” said Lynne, “and I have a physiotherapist to thank for helping me set a goal that would get me back on my feet after being involved in a fatal car accident in October 1997.

“I’ve always enjoyed hillwalking, but I’ve never attempted anything of this magnitude before.

“Now I’m getting up at 6am to go for a long walk or a 30 length swim before I head to work.”

The hard work, however, will all be worthwhile for Lynne if she succeeds in raising her target of £3250 for Spinal Research.

Her 21-year-old son Stewart was paralysed in an horrific motorcycle accident two years ago.

She is scheduled to reach the top of Kilimanjaro one day before his 22nd birthday.

“It isn’t until you have to live with the results of losing the use of your legs like Stewart that you appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes in researching new and innovative ways to help the brain communicate with the rest of the body.”

Because neurons in the spinal cord do not re-grow naturally, the consequences of injury were, until recently, considered permanent. However, some new research indicates this need not be the case.

Spinal Research funds scientists and clinicians throughout the world who are working together to repair and understand the damage caused by spinal cord injury.

Lynne is hoping her local community will support her in her Kilimanjaro challenge.

“I hope people in Callander will sponsor me if they can,” said Lynne. “Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean Spinal Research can continue their valuable work supporting many people with spinal cord injuries.

“Stewart has made an amazing recovery after his near fatal accident, which occurred through no fault of his own. He has a completed T4/5 spinal cord injury and is paralysed from the chest down.

“He lives in the Cambridge area where the accident took place, but he is still passionate about his Scottish roots.

“I hope people can help make a difference in his life and the lives of so many other people affected by injury to their spinal cord.”

Lynne can be sponsored by visiting her online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/lynnemurray13. Donations can be made by credit or debit car with all the money going directly to Spinal Research. Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28 per cent extra in Gift Aid through the Justgiving site.