A Chichester woman, who had her leg amputated as a result of a car accident, has set herself the challenge of cycling the Caledonian Way to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
June Grinstead told V2 Radio: " “My story began with a car accident when I was 17 and it changed my life."
After years of pain and operations, June had her lower leg amputated at 33-years-old, but says “by then I thought I was mentally prepared for what was coming, but never expected to still be left with a lifetime of pain.
“By early 2020 the pain was becoming debilitating, but due to Covid-19, I found myself at home with my daughters, Catherine and Lauren, with nothing else to do but exercise.”
June started doing just little bits with them and eventually, she could do a bit more, for a little longer.
Fast-forward to 2021, and June is challenging herself to cycle the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands – 65 miles from Fort William to Inverness over three days – to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House.
“I got a bike last summer over the lockdown. I walk well but I cannot walk for very long, so the bike is the only other way that I can get about without a car.
"It lets me get out in the countryside and see the views and I feel like part of the rest of the world."
Taking on the challenge with her husband, Martin, and five-year-old Frenchie, Harley, June is on track to smash her target of £1,500 for Chestnut Tree House.
June told us "So many children miss out on the privileges I’ve had, many do not get to dance into the early hours like I did.
"Raising money for Chestnut, who give children and their families more opportunities for smiles and fun, when they most need it, is the least I can do. Making memories is what I focus on now and I love that Chestnut gives families the chance to make more too.”
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