Edinburgh woman is wheely excited about video message from Irish star Daniel O’Donnell in support of her dream wedding day for charity
Die-hard Daniel O’Donnell fan June Reynolds was speechless after receiving a video message from the Irish star in support of her fundraising efforts for a charity that has helped her to live an independent life.
The go-getting 60 year old who has cerebal palsy is doing her very own sponsored ‘walk’ for health and wellbeing charity, the Thistle Foundation, today.
The Edinburgh Reporter was there to see her being sent on her way with cheers from Edinburgh’s only seaside primary school – Towerbank Primary School – who filed out to watch June leave on her challenging sponsored trip in her wheelchair.
June has been amazed by the support she has received from everyone over the past few months – but it was a video message from Daniel O’Donnell, Irish singer and television presenter, that left her speechless.
June, who was born in Musselburgh, will take on the two mile challenge along with her bridesmaids, who will also be dressed up in their finest, and is looking forward to being waved off by the local pupils.
It will be the first time June has ever worn a wedding dress. Big hearted June decided to make a dream come true and give something back to the Thistle Foundation, the Edinburgh based charity that has helped her for over 16 years.
Thanks to Thistle’s support June now lives in her own home within the charity’s housing estate in Craigmillar after years of living in supported accommodation.
The bride and her team of three bridesmaids will undertake the two mile challenge from Noble Seaside Centre in Portobello to the Ship inn at Musselburgh.
June, who has been in a wheelchair all her life and is determined to live her life to the full, said: “The sponsored walk is something that I really want to achieve this year. Thistle has been great and there is always someone there to help. They have been with me on my journey and now I can do something for them.
“I’ve never had the opportunity to wear a wedding dress so I really wanted to put one on. And I thought it would make people laugh!”
The ‘wedding party’ was made up of June’s support workers. June’s family and friends have been helping her to adapt the wedding dress so she can wear it.
Kerryn Kirkpatrick, Head of Communications at the Thistle Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that June is undertaking this challenge to support Thistle. It will be a great achievement for her and the money raised will help us to continue our vital work in making sure people living with long term conditions receive the support they need.
She added: “Two miles is a big challenge for June as she will have to control her wheelchair for at least an hour which takes a lot of concentration and hard work. We know she can do it and we wish her all the best. We will be there as guests on her big day!”
You can support June’s challenge by making a donation via her fundraising page – www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/junesevent
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