"This gift will be a life changer for me"
“At a walking/running event in The Redwoods all these people were running past me on their blades,” said Clare Dutton. “I asked my prosthetist, ‘Is it even possible?’”
Clare lost her leg just before her 14th birthday. Now aged 45, she is excited about her future. “A big part of my life is now preparing for the second part of my life, being fit and healthy. This will open up a whole new era for me to be active with my family and friends – and, I teach intermediate students, so being able to do a bit of training with them, cross-country, will be fun.”
“I’ve set myself a goal in November to take part in the annual race around the bridges in Hamilton. There’s a six-kilometre run. I’ve got no idea whether it’s even physically possible, but that’s what I’m working towards between now and then.”
Tearfully, Clare explains receiving her running leg is “Life-changing. I’m so grateful to the people who have been kind enough to do this for me.” Excitedly, she adds, “The weather’s changing. I’m going to be able to get outside and walk and run and do these things that I couldn’t do for years.”
Clare’s email to Peke Waihanga CEO, Sean Gray
Dear Mr Gray,
This morning I left the Hamilton limb centre with my very own running blade. I know how hard it is to get the funding for limbs like this for patients like myself, and I would like to pass on my thanks to the grant funding organisation, as well as the limb centre team. I would appreciate it if you could pass on the below letter to the correct people. Thank you so much.
Clare's follow up email
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my gratitude for the generous grant funding, which made it possible for me to receive my very own running blade. This gift will be a life changer for me, opening many new opportunities.
Thanks to your support, I have the ability to pursue running once again. Before my amputation many years ago, running was a daily part of my life. The running blade I received today will help me to once again run, and regain a part of “me” that I felt lost long ago.
While it will be small steps at first, I know that my fitness and strength will grow, alongside my confidence to run longer distances.
Thanks to your generosity and belief in my potential, I have been given the opportunity to chase new goals and be a stronger, fitter person. Your commitment to supporting individuals like me makes a real difference.
I also would like to acknowledge the team at Peke Waihanga Hamilton who encouraged me, helped with blade fittings, saw me take my wobbly first strides in 32 years, and who went out of their way to help me. Without this team behind me, I would not be able to be the busy and active mum and person I am today.
I write this letter with heartfelt gratitude! Thank you once again for the grant funding, I truly appreciate it.
Kindest regards,
Clare Dutton
