Ruari shows real zest for life with 874 mile mission
Ruari pictured with one of his carers, Jamie Beazer, trialling a side by side bike - Credit: Contributed
An Exmouth man has set himself the challenge of walking the equivalent of John O’Groats to Land’s End – despite being blind and living with epilepsy and hearing difficulties.
Ruari Corr, 26, is doing a series of walks around Exmouth with his carers to gradually clock up a total of 874 miles.
He has already done the same virtual trek in reverse for the Movember movement, raising £2,623 towards men’s health and mental wellbeing, and has also walked to raise money for local charities.
Now, for the first time, Ruari is raising money for himself. He wants to buy a special tandem bike that will enable him to go for rides sitting safely next to a carer or family member.
Ruari explained: “I have a condition called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) which caused me to lose my sight, I also now have epilepsy and an auditory processing disorder, this means I can struggle with processing and hearing what people are saying to me. So sitting side by side on a tandem bike with one of my carers, or a family member such as my mum who also has ALD, would be really helpful. Visual impairment can stop people being active, so this bike will help me to carry on enjoying life.
"My legs are also affected by spasticity so it is very important that I exercise them regularly, and this bike will make it fun rather than a chore.
“I used to ride a tandem bike, but unfortunately I am now unable to do so, as I could have a seizure endangering myself and others. The side by side tandem will allow me to enjoy the road again safely due to features such as the five-point seat harness that will stop me from falling off should I have a seizure.”
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Ruari’s mother Deirdre Corr said he ‘absolutely loves’ going out riding, and also enjoys setting himself challenges: “If he gets the bike, he’ll probably take on a sort of virtual cycling challenge next.”
She added: “He’s been robbed of so many of his faculties, but he hasn’t been robbed of his zest for life and determination.”
To support Ruari’s fundraising, visit his GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/5690b36d
