A young Highland woman who was born with one hand says she hopes to inspire children to take up sports as she prepares to embark on a solo cycle round the world.
Sarah Fisher from Kingussie has begun gruelling training to get ready for her pedal across the globe in two years time with her dog Woody, a Border terrier.
She was born with one hand and has had a passion for getting on her bike from an early age.
She says “Nothing should be able to stop you, if you have a goal, there are ways around it. I want to say to people ‘I can do this, and you can do it too.”
STV NewsSarah says traditional prosthetic arms haven’t been the best in helping her get to grips with her handlebars.
She’s recently been working with a start-up company, Koalaa, to develop a more comfortable option and hopes that this, and her drive to travel, will help inspire a new generation of young people to take up sports.
Sarah says “I use a prosthetic from the NHS just now – and that grips on to the handlebars and its sturdy and it’s good for going over bumps and things but the actual socket isn’t comfortable.’
STV News“We are trying to find that middle ground with Koalaa to have something that feels secure enough but also is nice to wear.”
Sarah knows travelling solo will throw up all kinds of challenges – not least learning how to fix her bike if issues develop on the way.
She explains “I am purposely inflating and deflating tyres, fixing punctures and learning all the ins and outs of my bike so I can be prepared for the worse case scenario if it happens. I am trying to be fully prepared!”
Sarah and Woody will set off in 2023 – plenty of time to practice her pedal power.
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