3:40pm Friday 6th March 2009
By Jo Winrow
A man who has had his legs amputated has won a Bradford Council B-active award.
Trevor Gott has been swimming five times a week for the past 15 years despite losing one leg in 1989 and the other eight years later, both as a result of circulation problems.
The 71-year-old swimming fanatic is a regular at Bingley and Bowling pools and has also devoted time to visiting others who have had amputations or those due to undergo the surgery to offer his support.
He has also appeared on an instructional video, Streets for All, in an effort to raise awareness of the problems amputees face. It discusses areas in Bradford for people with disabilities and how to improve wheelchair taxi services and help educate the police.
In addition Mr Gott, of Bingley, is working with an airline to improve conditions for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.
He said: “I am very proud to have won the B-active award and I hope more people will be encouraged to take part in swimming or other physical activities like I do regardless of their age or abilities.
“Disabilities should not put people off living an active life and the resulting physical and mental benefits are immeasurable.”
The Council’s executive member for environment and culture, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, said: “Trevor’s commitment to regular physical exercise is outstanding and coupled with the extra voluntary work he carries out to help others, makes him a very worthy winner of the B-active award.
“I hope Trevor’s award and story inspires residents of all ages and abilities to make exercise a regular part of their lives by playing sports or take part in physical activities.”
The Council’s leisure services team rewards residents in recognition of their achievements in encouraging others to be more physically active by overcoming obstacles, enjoying sporting success or helping others be active.
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