We have always tried to support individuals in our fund raising, and this time we are commited to helping a very determined young lady by the name of Erin Orford.  Her ambition is to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics.

So this year our team is cycling 185 miles over three days, starting on the west coast of Wales at Fishguard and finishing in Newport.

Erin is a bilateral amputee and is missing the radius in both arms which means that she has short arms and only four fingers on each limb.  She also has to use prosthetic legs for getting about.  From an early ageErin has overcome her disabilities and played school team netball, basketball and table tennis.

However, her real passion and talent lies in Para Equestrian Dressage and in September 2007 she came second in the UK Nationals with a score only 2% behind the current Paralympic World Champion.  Her goals are now to qualify for the 2009 Europeans next August and to be selected for the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

Whilst Erin does receive some assistance from Sports Aid towards her travelling expenses and is generously supported by a benefactor who provides her with 2 horses, what she really needs to compete at the highest level, it is a pair of prosthetic legs which will give her much more control over her lower legs and in turn greater control over the horse.  She currently suffers a great deal of discomfort whilst riding using her existing prosthetic legs.

The likely cost for these prosthetic legs is £13,000 and with your help we hope to raise this money.

For further information, please seeErin’s website; www.erinorford.co.uk   Erin will keep her website updated to keep you all advised of her progress right through to 2012.

I would be really pleased if you'd take minute and help us raise the money for Erin so that she may achieve her Paralympic ambitions.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Sportsaid gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.