My Name is Lee Chapman and it is my goal to reach Everest
Base Camp in March 2020. I will be raising money for a charity that is very close to my heart- Finding your Feet

My Story

I have always been fit and healthy, and I also have a love
for motorbikes but, in April 2016, I had a major collision with a car near Old Meldrum in Aberdeenshire.  My life was saved by the driver in the car behind me and the Scottish Air Ambulance Crew.

I lost a lot of blood at the scene of the accident and my right leg was severely injured. While I was in hospital I had to have a blood transfusion of 4 litres and the Dr’s didn’t know if my leg would ever fully recover. I had 14 operations and intensive physiotherapy to try and save it but in March 2017, I suffered a major set back when my leg caught a life threatening infection due to the metal work. Attempts were made to try and save my limb, but doctors ultimately decided that the best course of action was to amputate. I feel that my accident has forced me to re evaluate life and I quickly realised that you have to live it to your full potential. 

Shortly after my amputation I heard about the charity “Finding your Feet”. They provided a local support network of amputees who knew what I was going through. This made me feel like I wasn’t alone, and that I had people who I could speak to whenever I was struggling. This helped me tremendously and after a short period, I was asked to become a representative for Finding your Feet. I now run meetings once a month in Aberdeen, where, as a group, we provide encouragement and support, along with trying to help with any challenges that amputees face on a daily basis.

Finding your Feet is a non-government funded charity so donations are vital for their success. Their aim is to reduce isolation amongst the amputee community by providing sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects.  They run over 50 clubs every month cross Scotland and have their own in-house counsellor - but none of this would be possible without your support. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Lee

**Please note, a small percentage of the fundraising will cover essential costs for my expedition. I have agreed this with the charity.