Keith Crosses The Finish Line
Thirty-nine-year-old above the knee amputee Keith Hill from Lincoln is celebrating after completing his home town’s annual 10k race in just over two hours.
The dad-of-two, who lost his left leg in a road accident four years ago, said it had been an incredible challenge, but he was delighted to have done it and in such a good time.
Commenting after the race Keith said: “I had run the same event the year before I had my accident and it was challenging enough then. Shortly after the start I realised the enormous task that I had ahead of me and for the first 2K I battled more mentally than physically – it was so tough.”
He continued, “Thankfully my personal trainer was there to give me support and encouragement. The last kilometre had the extra challenge of including around 200m of uneven cobbled pavement around Lincoln Cathedral! I had briefly trained on these before to get the feel for them but as I approached the area after 9.5k it was more gruelling than I could have ever imagined.
“The finish line was a welcome sight! Not only because it meant I had achieved my goal, but I knew friends and family would be there to share it all with me – which made it all the sweeter.
“I hope what I achieved will help other amputees see what is possible. I consider myself to be an ordinary Joe, not some super fit athlete. But getting across the finish line was a real achievement and I do think proves anything is possible when you set your mind to it.”
On hearing the news Carolyn Hirons, Keith’s physiotherapist at PACE said: “I am thrilled for Keith. The months of training have paid off. Keith’s story again shows that with the right equipment, rehabilitation programme, training and a positive state of mind, you can reach your goals – whatever they might be.”
Keith raised over £1,200 for the purchase of a femurett for his local limb centre. A femurett is an adjustable training prosthesis for patients and is used during the rehabilitation process.
The team at PACE would like to congratulate Keith on his achievement.