A Dundee man has become the fastest ever double amputee in Britain to compete in a 5km race walk despite entering the event “on a whim.”
Dundee double amputee Ronald McIntosh (60) travelled to Bath to compete in the British Transplant Games 2010 with fellow members of the Ninewells Transplant Team.
In the spirit of the competition, Mr McIntosh decided to give the 5km race walk a try but had no intention of smashing the record.
On his transplant games success, Mr McIntosh said, “I’m in complete shock.
“I’m the only double amputee ever to compete in the 5km race walk in the 33-year history of the British transplant games, yet it turns out I’ve set the fastest time for a double amputee-of all ages to compete in a 5km course anywhere in the UK.”
Mr McIntosh added, “I had no idea about it until the organisers called me up a week later.
“I only entered on a whim.”
He finished the race in 48.5 minutes, overtaking non-amputees in the event and coming in 31st out of 83 contenders.
The former runner lost both of his legs just over two years ago after complications arising from kidney failure.
He was given a kidney transplant last May after six years of dialysis, and was fitted with prosthetic limbs at Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology Centre.
Despite being told by medical staff he would not be able to walk unaided for at least two years after the amputations, he ditched his walking sticks within three months.
He said, “I’ve been a member of the Hawkhill Harriers for 27 years and competing is in my blood.
“I think this trait has helped me through the transplant and to make the best of what I have.
“I was close to death twice and after I lost my limbs I sunk into a deep depression.
“I was a runner and I lost both legs in the space of 12 weeks. My world came tumbling down and I thought I would never come to terms with what had happened to me. But one morning I woke up and said to myself ‘Let’s get on with it.’ ”
Ron said the transplant had “completely changed” his life and said he could not stress enough the importance of donating organs.