Chiswick group embarks on Inca Trail for charity

Amputee disabled amongst team raising money for CHAMPS

Chairman of The Douglas Bader Foundation and Chiswick resident, David Bickers will be embarking on an Inca Trail on September 10th.  He will be joined on the hike by 26 others, including amputee disabled, to raise funds for the Douglas Bader Foundation's CHAMPS initiative a Child Amputee programme that hosts leisure weekends for families with amputee children.

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, CBE, DSO, DFC, FRAes, DL, became a hero and legend in his own lifetime. A double amputee caused by “my own fault” in an aeroplane accident in 1931. Douglas became an inspiration to disabled and able-bodied alike by demonstrating the ability to “get on with your life”. He was honoured in 1976 with a Knighthood for his contribution and work on behalf of the disabled.

The Douglas Bader Foundation was formed by family and friends – many of whom had flown side by side with Douglas during World War 2.

Their first initiative was realised in 1993 – the completion of the Douglas Bader Centre, a facility designed to support rehabilitation services for amputees built at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton.  The centre provides a range of facilities and services for amputee members of the community. Appropriately, this hospital had provided Douglas' medical care as an amputee for some 50 years.

The Foundation has subsequently developed a number of initiatives and joint initiatives with other amputee disabled charities and partners. CHAMPS (Child Amputees) a project in association with BALASA, provides residential away week-ends introducing amputee youngsters from around the UK to the benefits of physical activity, sport and fitness whilst providing an informal forum for parents and families to discuss and share experiences and solutions to problems.

September 1, 2005