Sponsored swim at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre, in Bury St Edmunds, will raise funds for the Steel Bones amputee charity
An amputee from Bury St Edmunds is preparing to swim 200 lengths to raise money for the charity that changed his life as it celebrates a milestone anniversary
Colin Phelps, 56, who lives on the Priors Estate, had his right leg amputated when he was a month old, after becoming unwell and then developing gangrene in hospital.
Now he is hoping to raise £500 from his sponsored swim, for the Steel Bones charity.
Colin said: “Growing up I did all the things I wanted to do and had a great childhood but for the last 10 years my good left knee has started to get very painful, so I have had to change my life to suit my needs.
“I went from doing lots to not being able to do anything, so I felt very low and depressed.”
When he joined Steel Bones, Colin ‘wasn’t in a good place’.
He has since gone on to volunteer for the charity, was asked to become a trustee and then took on the role of chairman for six years.
“Steel Bones has changed my life completely, I am very proud to be involved with it,” said Colin.
When he was growing up there was nothing like Steel Bones to support amputees, which is one of the main reasons he tries to help whenever he can.
He often meets with new amputees at West Suffolk Hospital, offering them support with their health and wellbeing.
“Amputees leave hospital they are given crutches and a wheelchair and are left to get on with it.
“It must be traumatic when you’ve had a limb and you lose it later in life, Steel Bones help families and amputees get back on their feet.”
The swim is one of 10 fund-raisers being held to celebrate the charity’s tenth anniversary.
Colin is already halfway towards his fund-raising target, ahead of his swim on June 23, which will take place at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre.
You can sponsor him at: www.gofundme.com/f/steel-bones-sponsered-swim-colin-phelps
More details about Steel Bones and the events they have planned this year can be found at: www.steelbone.co.uk.
