Disabled Charity Challenger To Visit The Highlands

Judy Woolfenden MBE was diagnosed as having the progressive illness – Spinal Muscular Atrophy in 1986.  She is confined, most of the time, to a wheel chair and has a range of medical complications affecting her speech and breathing  blood disorders and food allergies.

Judy treats all these impediments with contempt.  In her own words she has a ‘zest for life’ and that is why she organises and participates in a wide range of personal physical challenges.  In the process of carrying out these challenges she also raises funds for a number of charities.

Judy is assisted and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Judys many achievements include being the first disabled person in the world to complete the 5 day dog sled and living rough Expedition in the Arctic Circle, Norway.

On the 20 May 2008.  Judy embarked on her 10th Anniversary Challenge which will see her travel from her home in Kenilworth up through England to Scotland and the Western Isles undertaking various challenges on the way and collecting donations for a charity raffle in October. 

Judy will be in Fort William on Monday 2nd June where she will spend time visiting local attractions and will receive a civic greeting from the provost, Councillor Henderson.  Judy will then travel to the Isle of Skye where she will visit the Talisker Distillery and Uig Pottery before attending a Civic Welcome at Tigh na’ Sgire hosted by The Highland Council and attended by the Eilean a’Cheo elected members and representatives from a range of local voluntary organisations.

Anyone wishing to donate prizes for Judy’s charity raffle can contact Ward Manager Jan Laing on 01478 613849

On Wednesday 4 June Judy and her team of volunteers will travel to North Uist to continue her anniversary challenge.

Judy’s chosen charities include: Combat Stress; Coventry Friends of Home Farm Trust; Disabled Living Foundation; Riding for the Disabled Group; RAF Benevolent Fund; The Gurkha Welfare Trust; The Young Voices of 12; South Warwickshire Haematology Trust Fund.