They’re the people who truly embody the principle of Sport for All; a group of north-east amputees who take part in weekly training sessions.
Ian Retalic from Portlethen, Derek Stephen from Peterhead, and Aberdeen trio Tuesday Mennie, Atholl Smart and Ian Aiken have tenaciously refused to let their disabilities stop them from participating in regular healthy exercise at Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV).
The sessions, which are managed by experienced personal trainers, have been established through Scottish charity Finding Your Feet, which supports families affected by amputation or limb absence, and all of the gym-goers have their own personal goals for health and fitness to help improve their quality of life.
Bouncing back from adversity
There’s no glossing over the travails endured by the different individuals and those closest to them, yet they have shown their resilience not to be defined by loss.
Mr Retalic, 40, is the most recent to adapt to his new lifestyle, after he developed sepsis through group A Streptococcus in 2020 which resulted in him losing both legs and lower arms. The former electrician, who lives with his wife and daughter, is convinced that the sessions at ASV have been a lifeline and is passionate about their impact.
He was in hospital for four months and had to learn everything from the beginning again: talking, eating, the works. But he had loved going to the gym prior to his illness, so being offered access to the amenities at ASV and testing himself again has made a huge difference. As he said: “I have a newfound love of weightlifting, which is something I thought I’d never be able to do.”
Atholl loves his aqua aerobics
The eldest of the group, Mr Smart, 57, attends the sports village up to three times a week and, although the former security officer lost a leg through diabetes in 2019, he has amply shown that he isn’t prepared to be floored by adversity.
On the contrary, he has been involved in myriad activities including an aqua aerobics class, and speaks with the enthusiasm of somebody whose life has improved.
His main focus is being able to walk properly and gradually build more upper and lower body strength to enable him to help himself if he suffers an accident at home which “will make life a little easier for my wife who is my main support”.
The trainers are doing all they can
Grampian Disability Sport has provided funding to pay for 12 ASV memberships and ordered specialist equipment to support the amputees’ training within the gym.
Meanwhile, member organisation the Intervention & Coiled Tubing Association is donating £5,000 towards weekly coaching sessions or to purchase more equipment.
Tracy Stainer, who trains the Finding Your Feet group, admires the group whose efforts never fail to “amaze and inspire” her every week. She regards them all as “real troupers” and adapts their exercise regimes to suit their individual abilities.
It’s precious work, providing both a morale booster and practical support. And, as Ms Stainer said: “There is a great gym inspiration quote: ‘Each day is a new opportunity to improve yourself. Take it. And make the most of it.”
There may be no prizes on offer. But this initiative deserves its own medal ceremony.
Conversation