Introducing Jane – a teacher who was set the 'best homework ever!'

We’re delighted to introduce Jane, who joined Outdoor Mobility last February, as an Annual Subscription holder.

Jane is a teacher with a background and degree in Geography. A certified Mountain Leader, she has led expeditions all over the world and says she feels ‘very lucky’ to have had such wonderful outdoor experiences.

Unfortunately, Jane has found herself more recently struggling to come to terms with a reduced quality of life, due to a debilitating condition known as Hemochromatosis. The condition causes Jane chronic pain and fatigue, meaning that she struggles mobility wise without using her crutches or electric powerchair.  As an avid outdoor explorer, who loves to be out in mountainous terrain, this has been difficult for Jane to come to terms with. 

During a wellbeing check with her GP, Jane said she was set ‘the best homework ever’ – to try an outdoor trip using a Tramper. Jane admits she was tearful at the idea of accepting the need for a mobility aid, but she decided she would give the Trampers a try and see how she felt. Jane headed to Whinlatter and ‘within five minutes’ of her Tramper journey, she had paused to take in the scenery. A keen photographer, Jane took many photographs of the stunning views. It was a cold and wet day, and Jane said she felt thrilled to feel the cold on her face – ‘enjoying a true connection with nature’ again. The trip proved to be a ‘great boost’ for her mental health and opened up the opportunity for Jane to get back out into nature on a regular basis.

Jane is such a fan of Whinlatter, she has revisited many times, with friends. She loves the views to Skiddaw and the Northern Lakes and finds the routes on offer are perfect for her to get out on the Tramper for a couple of hours, meaning she can make a day of the trip. She has relished the opportunity to be out in the fresh air, soaking up the views and having a natter along the way. Jane has been able to re-kindle past friendships and feels ‘much less isolated’ than before. No matter her pain or fatigue levels on the day, Jane said she confidently ‘packs a bag and goes’. She feels secure that the Tramper will offer her a comfortable ride, whatever the weather. Jane packs her full mountaineering kit on colder days, to make sure she is layered up and warm. The option to operate the Tramper by either left or right hand has also proved invaluable, as Jane can switch hands to alleviate pain in her wrists and hands. 

Jane decided to make use of our reciprocal agreement with Countryside Mobility during her summer holiday last year, using Trampers in the southwest. She has also accessed routes via Access the Dales. Jane’s adventurous streak re-surfaced and she found herself trying an all-terrain hopper, as well as an accessible seat for paddle boarding!

As well as Whinlatter, Jane has also visited Sizergh Castle using the Tramper there and she has plans to visit Lowther Castle and Gardens this year. Jane describes her Tramper trips as ‘micro adventures’. In her own words, ‘you don’t have to be on top of a mountain to have a good day out’. The Trampers support her wellbeing so much and she feels the adventure lasts far beyond the trip itself. She has found herself taking hundreds of ‘beautiful’ photos when on her Tramper adventures. Jane said she can easily spend four or five hours editing and sharing her images, which means her adventure goes on and on.

Jane is passionate about getting the word out to others that the Trampers are available. She recently recommended them to a colleague who had sustained a knee injury.  She would like to encourage anyone considering the Trampers to ‘give it a go’. Jane feels the Trampers are ‘so accessible’ – both in terms of affordability and comfort.  Spending quality time in the outdoors with friends and family again really has been life changing.

If you’d like to feature in one of our ‘Meet a Member’ profiles, we’d love to hear from you. Email your name and contact details to info@outdoormobility.org and we’ll be in touch!