 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Bupa Methley Park hospital sponsors local equestrian 27 May 2003 Twenty-four year-old local Geoffrey Burleigh will be sponsored by Bupa Methley Park Hospital to represent Great Britain in the Special Olympic World Games. The Games will be held in Dublin in June this year. Geoffrey has overcome some learning difficulties as well as problems with his sight and is now wholly independent. Last year he had special lenses (I.C.L.) implanted at the hospital to improve his sight, which means he is now able to participate in the equestrian, dressage and horse care events. Bupa Methley Park Hospital is particularly pleased to sponsor Geoffrey having treated him over the past few years and developed a relationship with him and an interest in his sport. Bupa Methley Park Hospital general manager, Gill Bishop explains: “It was incredible to learn of the differences Geoffrey’s surgery made to his everyday life. He explained to me that he previously was unable to judge distances and had poor night vision. These and other visual difficulties have all been resolved following his surgery here at the hospital. I can’t wait to follow Geoffrey’s progress in the Games.” Mr Frank Howes the consultant ophthalmic surgeon who performed the surgery said: “I am thrilled at the independence Geoffrey’s surgery has given him. He is an able sportsman and his improved vision has enhanced his sporting success significantly. This is due largely to the advances in modern technology now available enabling dramatic improvements in many ophthalmic conditions.” “I am very grateful to the hospital for their sponsorship and for helping me achieve one of my biggest ambitions. I was really disappointed not to have been able to compete in 2000 because of my sight problems. Mr Howes and everyone at Methley Park have helped me so much and I can’t wait until June,” said Geoffrey. Geoffrey was offered the £1,500 sponsorship needed following a local appeal to fund his entrance to the Games. The sponsorship money has covered the costs of all the necessary clothing and equipment for the trip to Dublin. The first corrective procedure took place on Geoffrey’s left eye in January 2001. The second operation was in February 2002. Geoffrey’s interest in riding began when he was eleven. He started riding lessons at Middleton Park Equestrian Centre in Leeds where he became a volunteer after leaving school. He has participated in a number of local and regional Riding For The Disabled competitions.
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
 |
|
|||
|
||||||
 |
|
|
 |
|
|