Wheelchair hero makes it his way
Jim, pictured with his team mates who will help him tackle the West Highland Way
An intrepid Bairn is determined to conquer the West Highland Way - despite having broken most of his bones hundreds of times over.
Redding’s Jim Easton, who suffers from Brittle Bone disease, will begin his effort to complete the famous 96-mile route in his wheelchair on June 2 alongside four Falkirk-born football buddies.
And the 30-year-old, who has never let the condition stop him from doing what he loves, is looking forward to the challenge and to raising money for the Erskine Appeal.
He has every reason to feel confident. Four years ago he became the first person to complete the West Highland Way in a wheelchair.
He said: “I’m really excited about it.
“Four years ago, I was obviously younger and just went and did it.
“Now, I know how tough some of it is going to be, but I will be better prepared.”
Jim, a former Grangemouth High pupil, was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and suffered his first broken bone when he was just six weeks old.
He’s been confined to a wheelchair since the age of six.
He said: “I think my neck is the only thing I’ve not broken. I broke my back at T in the Park in 2000.
“I’ve got great family and friends around me to get me through the obstacles when they come up and I love travelling and going to music festivals; I don’t let it stop me at all.”
The last time Jim tackled the West Highland Way, he raised £2000, shared between the Brittle Bone Society and the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Unit in Glasgow.
He added: “On the West Highland Way four years ago, there were a few really tough days. Sometimes the path was really narrow, and on the way down the Devil’s Staircase, one of my wheels buckled, but it was still a great experience.
“This time, the charity approached me, and I just couldn’t say no.”
“There’s five of us doing it and we’re hoping to raise £1000 each.”
To support Jim, visit www.justgiving.com/James-Easton
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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