A team of fundraisers have raised £13,000 for para rider Erin Orford to have specially designed prosthetic legs made.

 

Orford, who won the 2005 Para Talent Spotting Final, had both her legs amputated aged one and has shortened upper arms.

 

Andrew Hogge, a partner at chartered surveyors Cyril Leonard, found out about Orford through SportsAid and lead a team of nine fundraising friends. They decided to take on a gruelling 23-hour mountain bike ride of more than 200 miles, starting at Fishguard in Wales and finishing at Chepstow.

 

Hogge said: “We were specifically looking for a young person with determination, ability, physical need and financial need, who we could assist in living their dream to compete at the 2012 London Olympics. When we were introduced to Erin by SportsAid, we knew we had found the right person.”

 

Orford, who is currently studying for a business management degree at Birmingham University, said: “What Andrew, his team and everyone who sponsored them have done for me is just unbelievable. Having prosthetic legs made especially for riding will give me significantly more control and also help to reduce the pain and discomfort I have at the moment. In turn, this means I will be able to train more often and for longer periods of time.

 

“The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, who normally make my everyday legs, are in the process of making my first ‘riding legs’ at the moment. They have never made any before, so I’m not sure when they will be finished, but I will hopefully have them for next year.”