A disabled great-grandmother from Glenrothes, Fife is set to zip-line across the River Clyde in order to raise money for a Scottish charity.
Frances Cuthbertson, 75, is raising money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. She’ll be joining hundreds of fellow participants this September to take on the ‘Zipslide the Clyde’ challenge. Participants will launch off from a 100ft high crane next to Glasgow Riverside Museum, gliding down an extended 1000ft long route along the Clyde and ending at the Tall Ship.
Frances herself was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth. At the time, there was little awareness of lifelong effects of the condition, and Frances’ parents were informed that she may not live past the age of five, and would likely never walk.
However, Frances has never let her condition hold her back, commenting:
“Although I was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth, I was lucky enough to be born without any physical paralysis or mental impairments. I have however, struggled with both internal and external disabilities through my life and had many operations when I was younger in an attempt to correct my clubfoot.
“Whenever I’ve been told I can’t do something because of my disability, it just makes me even more determined to prove people wrong. The doctors thought I might never walk – yet I was on my feet at 18 months old. I’ve also been an active swimmer since I was seven years old, and still swim three times a week as I find it to be a great equaliser for anyone with disabilities.
“I’ve always been passionate about raising money for causes close to my heart. I’ve volunteered and abseiled several times for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, including an abseil off the Forth Road Bridge! I’ve aways wanted to raise money for SBH Scotland and the Zipslide challenge was the perfect fit for a thrill seeker like myself.
“There are also no barriers from my disability that would prevent me from taking part which has been an issue in the past. I’d encourage anyone else with a disability who’s considering taking part to go for it!”
The ‘Zipslide the Clyde’ challenge takes place Saturday 2nd , Sunday 3rd and Friday 8th September,
Support Frances and all the other Zipsliders here.