RDA rider and volunteer, Colin Duthie, has been revealed as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, following his inclusion in the Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100 for 2019.
The annual publication is compiled by an independent judging panel from nominations, recognising individuals as role models, advocates, campaigners, activists and social changers.
At the age of 20, Colin was involved in a motorbike accident where he sustained serious injuries including an above knee amputation. Following a long period of rehabilitation, Colin was encouraged by his wife to try volunteering and disability sport and in 1994 he joined Carrick RDA in Scotland.
This was his first experience of horse riding but he soon discovered that being on horseback was the only time he was out of pain.
Colin has represented the UK as part of the British Para-dressage team and is currently Chairman of Carrick RDA.
As a sports development coach officer with South Ayrshire council, Colin has played a pivotal role in encouraging disabled people to become more active, through helping to establish and run numerous organisations and sports clubs.
Colin’s other big passion in life is motor sport and in 2016, Colin helped establish Disability Motorsport Scotland and now combines being a trustee and coach for the charity with competing as a disabled driver.
The chosen 100, that also includes artists, bloggers and entrepreneurs, attended a launch of the list at the House of Lords, where Colin was presented with a copy of the publication.
In 2019 Colin has also been included in the RDA’s 50 faces campaign to mark the charities 50th anniversary, celebrating the diversity in disability horse sport through the stories of 50 inspirational individuals.
Said Colin: “I am absolutely humbled and privileged to be included in the Shaw Trust
Disability Power 100 List. At the launch I met some of the most able individuals I’ve ever met”.
Since its inception four years ago, the Disability Power 100 List has gone from strength to strength. Over the years it has allowed Shaw Trust to encourage businesses, employers and other organisations to reflect on opportunities available for disabled people.
The list plays a vital role in providing much needed encouragement to the young and talented leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment.
You can read Colin’s story, and meet the other 49 Faces of RDA at rda.org.uk
50 Faces has been supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
ENDS
About Riding for the Disabled Association
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through horse riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. Through a network of around 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.
- RDA brings together 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK
- More than 25,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving
- Each year more than 19,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time
RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at rda.org.uk
RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473).
For more information contact Jacqueline Garner or Tim Smith at TSM on 01724 784600.
