Edwin – our Paralympics Champion
Our service user, Edwin, has been with us for almost 3 years. He is 61 years old, has cerebral palsy and is a very well-travelled man. He has competed in track and field all over the world. This includes winning three bronze medals in The Paralympics.
Edwin’s Discovery of Track & Field
It was in his teenage years that Edwin discovered his love for track and field. He joined Capability Scotland where he met John de Courcy, an ex-marine and gym teacher.
John encouraged Edwin to start training for track and field and trained him to a professional standard. John used to take him up to Old Meadowbank Stadium twice a week to train. Edwin noted that John was the one who managed to get him to New York for The Paralympics – as he really encouraged him to go for it.
John used to make Edwin train in all weather conditions: in rain, hail, sun, wind… he would train, he even used to tie a rubber tyre to his chair during training to help build up his strength. The more Edwin practiced the sport, the more he enjoyed it and decided to “give it a go” professionally.
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Competing Professionally
In 1984 in his early twenties, Edwin travelled to New York to compete in The Paralympics. That year, he competed in the Men’s 60 metres C2, Men’s 200 metres C2, Men’s Distance Throw C2 and the Men’s Club Throw C2.
Edwin returned from the New York Paralympics with three bronze medals: one for the 60 metres C2, one for the 200 metres C2 and one for the Club Throw C2, quoting that he was “pretty good” at it, which we believe is a slight understatement.
In 1985 he competed in the Track and Field European Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, where he won three silver medals, one for the club throw, one for the 60 meters, and one for the 100 metres.
Edwin has also competed in local competitions which were held in places such as Dundee, Fife, Irvine, Hull, Wishaw and Glen Rothes. As you can see from the number of medals he has won, he has been really successful in his competitions.
Life Outwith Sports
Outwith traveling for his competitions, Edwin has visited countries all around the world with Capability Scotland – a charity that delivers care, support and education for disabled children and adults across Scotland.
- In 1978 he travelled to Norway on a boy scouts trip where he camped, it was in June and Edwin noted how interesting it was that they were in daylight there, 24/7.
- In 1982, Edwin was invited to spectate at the European Cup Final in Barcelona.
- He then visited Copenhagen, Denmark in 1989 as part of a college exchange trip.
- He had another exchange trip in 1989 to India, here he visited Kolkata, Dew Delhi and Agra, where he got to go to the Taj Mahal.
- In 1990, he visited Holland, where he went to Apeldoorn and Zwolle.
Edwin now often visits “The Hub”, also run by Capability Scotland, where he can socialise and join in activities. The Hub offers activities, wellbeing, and therapeutic therapies, including sensory experiences, exercise, and communication.
Edwin’s Journey with Call-In Homecare
Edwin’s mum was his full-time carer, she cared for him up until she was 99 years old! She sadly passed away in 2021. Since then, Edwin has found our service invaluable as it gives him that little bit of extra support whilst allowing him to maintain independence within his own home. He expressed to us that he gets on well with his regular care assistants, particularly Antony. He expressed that his carers are so supportive and kind to him.
We are privileged to provide care to such admirable people like Edwin, who has, no doubt, faced much adversity in his life. One of the most special aspects of providing person-centred care, is that it is just that… care centred around the person. Not only do we tailor our care to our service users’ specific needs, but we also get the privilege of hearing their unique stories like Edwin’s Paralympics journey, that are so interesting and inspiring.
Personal Reflections
Looking back on the medals Edwin has won, he noted that competing in The Paralympics was one of his biggest achievements, and he was proud that he was able to represent Britain in professional sporting games.
Although the competitions were tough going, Edwin noted that training improved his confidence and motivation which helped him with his day-to-day life.
When asked if he had any advice for someone in a similar position to him who would like to compete in sports, he said:
“Just give it a go and stick in, you’ve got to enjoy the sport, keep at it and give a good couple of years to get to Paralympics level but make sure to do it well and focus on it a lot, it’s hard but it’s really rewarding.”
