Having an able bodied twin sister and friends singled me out from an early age and I wanted to take part in outdoor pursuits; such as climbing in the countryside, just the same as her but the support network wasn’t there. Having Cerebral Palsy, I use far more energy to move and walk so therefore walking was virtually impossible and keeping up with anyone was a challenge in itself!
The moment came when my dad gave me the opportunity to climb Ben Lomond, near Trossachs, Glasgow when I was ten years old. I did everything possible; walked, crawled and moved on my bottom while going up Ben Lomond. It was fun, but tough for me; I knew my Cerebral Palsy was going to affect me more and i encountered masses of blisters so that was painstaking at times. When I reached the top of Ben Lomond, I was ecstatic.
I guess that’s when my buzz of outdoors began! Ever since, I have always tried to escape to the countryside whenever I can!
Walking in the Outdoors is probably the most enjoyable and cost effective way of keeping fit. I now use walking stick to help me with balance as I am clumsy and struggle to cope with uneven terrain. Walking also helps me loosen others parts of my body and makes my muscles stronger.
It would be hard to cover everything, however, my string of passion for adventures began with horse-riding; dinghy sailing; climbing Ben Lomond; cycling; Tall Ship racing; and the list goes on…………………
November 2011, I was awarded the John Muir Conserver Award after embarking on a series of challenges that I had completed over two years. This included; trekking in the Himalayas and working in the slums of Delhi in 2011, joining the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team on manoeuvre in 2010, climbing Helvellyn (England’s third highest mountain in freezing conditions), paddling the length of Loch Shiel and leading other disabled people on a three-day expedition on Arran. I was also presented the Sirius Leadership Award from the Wilderness Foundation UK.
I have been fortunate to have experienced such positive adventures; whether it has been doing outdoor pursuits, exciting challenges or describing the allure of being in the wild. I find that the challenges I experience, heighten the sense of achievement once I’ve completed any outdoor pursuit.
I believe that outdoor experience and pursuits can have considerable impact on participants, particularly a wide range of physical, intellectual and emotional. I’ve seen the bestowed physical impacts on my own health, for example, include enhanced fitness, stamina, and strength. Emotional effects often include increased self-confidence, self-esteem, and a greater sense of personal meaning and direction. Intellectually, impacts include improved critical thinking, problem-solving skills, focus and enhanced creativity in other areas.
To date, I have managed to lead an independent life however it has required leadership and self-empowerment to drive forward and lead a fulfilling life.
I finally conclude in this blog that I have been nominated for Scotswoman of the Year 2011 as a result of the difference I have made to other people’s lives, specifically to pave the way for disabled people to access the outdoors. I am the youngest of five finalists.
The 'Scotswoman of the Year' award is an opportunity to recognise the talents and achievements of some of Scotland's most remarkable women.
I look forward to partnering with Suzi Rees and the rest of the team at iDID to unleash new outdoor sports opportunity for disabled people… await another update from me in the future.
Julie McElroy has mild Cerebral Palsy which has resulted in walking difficulties, speech and hearing impairments and manual dexterity problems. She has undertaken various adventures around the world. For further information on Julie, go to www.juliemcelroy.com
Recent Comments