A Douglas woman who took on a fundraising challenge to aid her recovery from complex surgery has visited the Great North Air Ambulance Service HQ after raising more than £1,200.
Suzanne completed the GNAAS ‘Whirlybird Walkies’ challenge in May, which involved walking a set distance over the month, ideally with a dog.
She said: “I used to do amateur strongwoman competitions pulling trucks and lifting heavy weights but after surgery I couldn’t train or do anything like that.”
Borrow
As a non-dog owner, Suzanne borrowed a friend’s dog, Rennie, and when without a canine companion, carried two Labrador toys in her backpack in memory of Rennie’s brothers.
Suzanne originally pledged 60 miles but eventually covered 160.53 miles. She said: “It was just pivotal to my recovery and gave me a purpose.”
Her efforts, which often attracted donations from intrigued strangers, raised £1,274 for the charity, which relies on public funding.
During a recent visit to the GNAAS base, Suzanne and her partner were given an unexpected tour. She said: “We did not think in our wildest dreams that we would be able to have a tour.”
“GNAAS is such a pivotal charity for the Isle of Man, and it’s a lifesaver for many on the island.”