Plockton ‘hero’ (86) taught herself to walk again to fundraise for Palestinian children
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A ROSS-SHIRE woman who taught herself to walk again has been hailed a hero after covering 100km for children who have lost limbs in a horrific conflict.
Jane Buckley (86) “taught herself to walk again” to raise money for Palestinian children - so that they can walk again too.
The Plockton woman set herself the challenge of covering 100km throughout March after being immobilised for nearly a year. She took on the colossal challenge after seeing how many Palestinian children have lost limbs in the tragic Gaza conflict.
She said she believes they deserve the chance to recover and walk again too.
After finishing her challenge, Jane has smashed her original target and raised £2000 via donations and her GoFundMe page, with all proceeds going to charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
Jane said: “A huge thank you to everyone. Together we have raised £2000 for MAP and to help children. What a wonderful community effort.
“I completed my 100km walk challenge last Sunday, March 31, and the final steps were into the pub for half a pint!
“It has been a great pleasure to be out and about again. I am immensely grateful to Kathleen MacRae, who has kept me on track all the way. Keep walking everybody, it’s good for us!
“I am deeply grateful for your generosity towards those suffering in Gaza.”
The Plockton community have congratulated Jane on her “fantastic” efforts which have seen her dubbed a “hero”.
Jane also clarified that cash donated by hand or at local shops has been transferred into the GoFundMe page.
Her efforts have inspired many locally. Vikcy Stonebridge said: “Fantastic work and effort for those suffering unimaginable horrors. Jane is a hero!”
“Many thanks for not only retaining compassion for others in a time of personal adversity but for inspiring action, in a time when ordinary people believe themselves insignificant to affect change,” said Marij Van Eker.
Previously explaining her reasoning for the fundraiser, Jane said: “I have been immobilised for nearly a year and I'm teaching myself to walk again.
“We have all been shocked by the news of babies and children losing limbs in the disasters in Gaza. They need pain killers and prosthetics. I am so glad, to recover the use of my own limbs.
“I want to raise money to help these youngsters, at the beginning of their lives, to be able to walk too.”
Medical Aid for Palestinians is a British charity that offers medical services in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon, and advocates for Palestinians' rights to health and dignity.
