Richard's got driving ambition to win Open

Jul 12 2006 Wirral News

A WIRRAL man who lost both his legs through frostbite is to take part in the Scottish amputee Open golf championships in August.

Richard Spencer, 41, of Hoylake, has fought his way back to a high level of skill in the game he loves since he had prosthetic legs fitted two years ago.

Now he is preparing to put this skill to the test competing with other amputees in the event, to be held in Cumbernauld.

Richard, who is being sponsored by Wirral disabled products firm Easy Access UK to takepart in the Scottish amputee Open, said: "It has taken a lot of hard work to reach a certain standard of golf, a game I loved as an able bodied person. I was determined that losing my legs would not stop me from enjoying the sport. I feel optimistic regarding my chances up in Cumbernauld. I am looking forward to seeing others in a similar boat from around the world competing.

"I have been able to reach this standard through stubbornness, determination and because I would not let losing my legs stop me from playing the game I loved. It was the first thing I thought of when they were amputated."