The HIAL fire-fighter recently discovered that the Forres, Nairn & District Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was in need of a facility for wheelchair using children and adults and set about sourcing funding to construct a portable ramp and platform for the group.

RDA is a national charity which gives disabled people the opportunity to ride or carriage-drive horses to increase their health and well-being. The mental and physical benefits are enormous - better joint mobility, muscle power, balance, coordination and improved learning and concentration.

The Forres, Nairn & District Group of RDA has a team of 40 voluntary helpers who meet weekly on Mondays to assist the instructors in training and developing the 28 riders.

The ramp measures 16ft x 4ft, the platform is 8ft square, and is constructed from solid timber. Mr Russell obtained his supplies from a number of different sources - HIS Farming and Industrial Supplies donated the wood, fixings and glue; Rembrand Timber Ltd supplied additional plywood and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited provided the work space and additional materials. The total estimated cost of resources is £500.

Mr Russell, 47, who took one week’s leave from his job to complete the task said: "Through talking to Sheila Urquhart I realised the local riding for the disabled club was in need of help and I’m just happy to have been able to do my part in making sure they can continue their good work with handicapped children."

The charity is understandably delighted with Mr Russell’s generosity and public spiritedness. Group secretary Sheila Urquhart said: "He has been an amazing help and without him we would have had to wait months, maybe even years for the equipment. As this is a volunteer organisation raising money is always difficult. His hard work and dedication will make it much easier for our riders to enjoy all the benefits that the RDA and its activities can offer them"

The platform was built to the specific requirements of the RDA’s governing body and will be delivered to the charity for use on 30^th September.

ENDS