MAGNIFICENT SEVEN RIDE FOR 7/7 BOMB VICTIMS

The bravery of those twelve people who suffered limb loss as a result of 7/7, has inspired seven friends and colleagues from Great Ormond St Hospital to raise funds for all the victims of the 7/7 bombings who specifically lost a limb or limbs.

The Magnificent Seven will participate in an Open Event – ‘The London to Paris Bike Ride’ - setting off from London on the 6th July arriving in Paris on the 9th July, raising money through their own sponsorship efforts and donations and other sponsorship through media awareness.

The Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity formed following the death of the inspirational double amputee in 1982 to assist those with limb loss by providing services and facilities, was approached to help. A special Bader Grant Scheme for those who suffered limb loss through this tragedy will be set up as an ongoing initiative.

Team leader, Alice McClymont said: “On July 7th I ended up with dealing with casualties at Ormond Street Hospital, when I finally had a moment I realised how fortunate I was that that morning I had chosen not to take the tube, but the bus. One of my colleagues was not as fortunate, and as a result has had an above knee amputation. Since then I felt that being of able body and mind I have no excuse.’’

Added Alice:
‘’ Originally I felt I would be cycling alone but as I started talking to some of my friends they also wanted to get involved. Now as part of a team of seven we shall be a gentle reminder, a year on from the London bombings but more importantly raising money for amputees of 7/7 who need extra assistance.”

Team member Dr Isabeau Walker summed up this initiative:
“I am a consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The July 7Th bombings have greatly affected us; two died and one of our colleagues was severely injured. It could have been any of us. I have been so impressed by the enormous courage and resilience of those directly affected by the bombs. This London to Paris cycle ride is just a small way of showing my support for them.”

Sue Harrison who lost her leg above the knee on that day commented:
“This really is a wonderful initiative and will be a terrific support to all of us. The Bader Foundation continue to do so much for the limb loss community and their support of this activity is very welcome and appreciated.’’

David Gardner who also lost a leg on7/7, added, “Douglas Bader was my hero as a child and it is typical that this type of supportive initiative inspired by the 7/7 victims is in the Bader name”.

David Bickers, Chairman of the Bader Foundation and Douglas’ son in law said today: “This is a wonderful initiative and we are delighted to offer our assistance. The Douglas Bader Grant Scheme currently provides support for the pursuance of achievements to amputees. The ‘get on with your life’ attitude, demonstrated by Douglas during his lifetime, has assisted countless disabled groups and individuals to achieve a variety of goals within the areas of education, the arts, sport, recreation and small business. The scheme provides the required equipment, training, services or further education as needed for each successful application.’

The Team are hoping to raise enough funds to allow those who suffered from limb loss on 7/7 to select an activity or challenge or equipment to help them immediately with their rehabilitation.

We have first hand experience of the difficulties involved with fund raising. UK disability charities are at the bottom of the chart for donations from individuals, companies and other funding bodies, so we have to work harder to raise invaluable funds.” said David Bickers, “The Team are very much dependent on their own efforts and the support of our wonderful British public for this fantastic effort !”

Team member Dr Philip Cunnington added:
“We are riding not to commemorate the event, but the spirit that those people who were involved in it have shown us, and the example that they have set for us all”.

Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/dbfsevenseven