Disabled Fife Local Shares Portrait Promoting Accessible Walks

Paths for All Press releases
Charity PR photography, Disabled Fife Local Shares Portrait Promoting Accessible Walks

AN INSPIRING young disabled man has been featured in an online exhibition recognising efforts to champion the joy of everyday active travel and motivate others to utilise accessible routes.

Thornton local, Connor Beveridge (26) has Friedreich’s Ataxia – a degenerative neurological condition – which has left him wheelchair dependant.

Despite his disability, Connor’s love for the outdoors is stronger than it has ever been, and he recently launched a blog dedicated to identifying accessible routes in Fife and the surrounding areas.

Connor’s portrait and inspiring story is part of Scotland’s Walking Charity, Paths for All’s “Humans of the Walk” online exhibition, launched as COP26 is underway in Glasgow.

The gallery of portraits and personal stories showcase the immense impact everyday walking can have on our health, wellbeing and the environment.

Connor said: “Chronic conditions can have a big impact on your mental health. The fresh air can help with this as it gives you a sense of freedom and the ability to appreciate other things in life like nature.

“Having a disability can put up a lot of barriers but once you are outside in the fresh air you forget about this and let yourself relax, unwind and enjoy the surroundings.

“I’m so lucky to have an array of accessible routes on my doorstep, the Fife Coastal Path is also nearby which makes for a lovely trip and I enjoy listening to the sound of the waves.”

Connor’s blog ‘Accessible Walks Scotland’ highlights how accessible a route is including information on the car parking and amenities as well as a general overview of the condition of the path and whether or not you can access it with a wheelchair.

He added: “People living with a disability like to see what a location or route is like before visiting themselves, so my blog is hopefully providing some reassurance to likeminded individuals so that they can get out and explore.

“I’ve had people get in touch to say my blog has given them the confidence to visit an area which is brilliant. The information can help those living with a disability, families with kids, individuals with anxiety or those who are mobile but struggle when the path is not in good condition.

“Everyone needs to be doing a lot more to help the environment to ensure we are able to keep enjoying these beautiful surroundings we have available – if we all just do our bit it will make a big difference.”

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