A WOMAN who had her leg amputated following a car accident when she was 17 is taking on a cycling challenge for a children's hospice.
June Grinstead, who had the operation 16 years after being injured, is taking on the endurance feat for Chestnut Tree House.
The 50-year-old, from Chichester, plans to cycle the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands, which is 65 miles from Fort William to Inverness.
Her husband, Martin, and five-year-old French bulldog, Harley, will also be raising money.
June said: "So many children miss out on the privileges I've had, many do not get to dance into the early hours as I did.
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"Raising money for Chestnut, who give children and their families more opportunities for smiles and fun, when they most need it, is the least I can do.
"Making memories is what I focus on now, and I love that Chestnut gives families the chance to make more too."
June went through years of pain and medical procedures before having her lower leg amputated.
She started exercising with her family earlier this year and now plans to take on the cycling challenge.
The challenge starts on June 17 and could take as little as three days to complete.
She said: "I thought I was mentally prepared for what was coming, but never expected to be still left with a lifetime of pain.
"By early 2020, the pain was becoming debilitating, but due to Covid-19, I found myself at home with my daughters, Catherine and Lauren, with nothing else to do but exercise.
"I got a bike last summer over the lockdown. I walk well, but I cannot walk for very long, so cycling is the only other way to get about without a car.
"It lets me get out in the countryside and see the views, and I feel like part of the rest of the world. I've always loved Scotland, but unless I was in a car, I couldn't see the best bits until now."
For Martin's challenge, he will be carrying Harley in a backpack, while the 17 kg pooch sits back and enjoys the Scottish scenery.
To support June on her Caledonian Way cycle visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/june-grinstead.
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