I've raised £1500 to support the FINOLA TRUST PEDAL FOR SCOTLAND 2019 team members to help raise funds for a replacement Finola Trust van
Organised by Henrietta Forman
Story
Pedal for Scotland 2019, The Classic Challenge being held on Sunday 8th September 45 miles cycle challenge from Glasgow Green to Ingleston, Edinburgh
The Finola Trust team members are:
Henrietta Forman, Ruari Baxter, Bruce Forbes, Fraser Gella, Aideen Hanna, Lucie Hrnickova, Michael Hulse, Nicole Mathie, Charlotte Sullivan & Trina Pirnie-Hallberg
The Finola Trust van is on its final year ..
Who is Finola? A 27 year old mischeavous, happy and healthy individual who happens to live with Cerebral Palsy and her Canine Partner., a Golden Retriever.
How does Cerebral Palsy affect her daily life? Without physio and correct careful management of her complex needs there is real risk of contractures, pain, deteriation of health. Finola has specialised seating as she is unable to sit unsupported for any length of time, stand or weight-bare. She requires assistance for all her daily living needs and requires 24 hr support.
How did you get the Finola Trust van? Finola's mother with the help of many many people raised the necessary £34,000 for an adapted new vehicle in 2001.
How has it made a difference? The van displays the following message and it says it all - The Finola Trust thanks the many who have helped make Finola's Freedom possible
What has the Finola Trust van done to enhance Finola's life?
1. PHYSIOTHERAPY - Every other week Finola along with necessary equipment is taken to Bobath Scotland located in Glasgow to receive very necessary physiotherapy. Without physiotherapy and correct supporting equipment there is a real risk of PAIN, CONTRACTURES, deteriation of her HEALTH. Finola is on no medication at all.
2. ENABLING FREEDOM & CHOICE- to be able to visit people and places, shopping, going out with ease
3. TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF GOING ON HOLIDAY - to date Finola has been to Kielder Water and The Calvert Trust for activity holidays. In 2017 after 2 years of planning and with the help of wonderful friends, the Finola Trust van was driven to Tuscany and Finola had her first ever abroad holiday.
4. FREEDOM TO TAKE FRIENDS - to be able to go places with friends as the Finola Trust van can accommodate two wheelchairs To live and experience life with friends.
5. In 2009 - 2012 FINOLA ATTENDED PORTLAND COLLEGE, NOTTINGHAM FOR AN INDEPENDENCE & DAILY LIVING RESIDENTIAL COURSE - without the van we could not have been able to even consider this. We had to raise half the costs of the college fees and at the same time campaigned for specialist further education for others in Scotland.
6. FINOLA'S NUMEROUS APPOINTMENTS - taking Finola to her appointments would become very complicated and time consuming.
7. SOCIAL OCCASIONS - theatre, Fringe etc would become very difficult to attend without the van
The Finola Trust van has ensured that Finola has had choice. Without the freedom of the vehicle life would become extremely difficult very quickly. Without regular physiotherapy her body would change rapidly; she would become very limited in what she could do. She and her golden retriever would not be able to enjoy the variety of walks and locations that currently we can give them both. Taking Finola shopping would become impossible. Taking Finola to her appointments would become very complicated. Finola would become very limited in what she could do and no longer have the flexibility of being able 'to do' something 'last minute'.
Please help the team raise funds towards our eventual goal of £25,000 for a 2nd hand vehicle. To replace the van new it would cost in the region of £45,000. We only have a year to get a replacement van and we know there are many many wonderful causes needing help so we are realistic that we will need to get a 2nd hand vehicle. We are truly grateful for whatever assistance you can give us. Thank you so very much for helping us help Finola keep her freedom, health and happiness.
With grateful thanks to you from Finola and her mummy, Henrietta The Forman family
