Flying High for Charity

Daredevil Deirdre Hunter from Aberdeen took to the skies on Royal Deeside to take part in a sponsored 3,000ft GliderFlight on Tuesday 13^th June 2023, at the Aboyne Airfield, to raise funds for the Gordon Group Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Deirdre (58) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1999 and later survived Breast Cancer in 2009. In addition, after a routine operation in August 2022, things went badly wrong which resulted in blood clots in her leg, 10 hour emergency surgery and the surgeons saving her leg but left her with a dropped foot. Despite all her medical problems Deirdre’s dream was always to get back onboard a horse. She started to learn to ride in 1998 at Whytemyres Stables at the Langstracht, in Aberdeen and loved it  but sadly had to stop after she was first diagnosed with MS.

Deirdre commented “ It has taken me many years and a very long journey but at last I am back on a horse all thanks to Gordon Group RDA. I couldn’t believe my luck when I contacted them and they said to complete a participant form, then I was invited to come along to the centre and meet everyone and the ponies. My ambition to ride again has been fulfilled and I am loving every moment”.

She continued “ Riding at Tweeddale,Keithhall, Inverurie, where the Gordon Group RDA are based, has now become thehighlight of my week. Being disabled and having been through a lot of medicalissues over the years has meant I’ve suffered from depression but my ridingsession takes me out of myself and I can enjoy something which not only helpsme physically but mentally too. It has also helped restore my confidence andgiven me a joy that I thought I had lost.

I’m so grateful to everyone at GordonGroup RDA and the wonderful ponies and so decided to help raise funds for thisamazing charity, which offers such enjoyment to children and adults withphysical and mental disabilities and challenges“.

Fiona JD Pearson Chair of GordonGroup RDA said, “ We are delighted that we have been able to fulfil Deirdre’s dream to ride a horse again and that the experience is enriching her life so much. We are extremely grateful to Deirdre for all her fund raising efforts and would like to thank her and all her generous sponsors.

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