Former University lecturer takes to the hills to support PAMIS
Published On Mon 23 Jun 2014 by Grant Hill
Septuagenarian hillwalker Dr David May will this week undertake the gruelling 57-mile Cateran Trail in aid of the University of Dundee-based charity PAMIS.
A former researcher and lecturer at the University, Dr May’s extensive contribution to the field of learning disability stretches back over 30 years. His work has been influential in a number of areas, including transitions in the lives of people with learning disabilities, and his methods brought a new perspective to social work teaching at the University.
Dr May (73) has continued to work energetically since his retirement, and his effervescence will stand him in good stead when he takes on the walking challenge on Wednesday, 25th June, and Thursday, 26th June.
The Cateran Trail is a 57-mile (92K) circular walking route in central Perthshire, which covers a variety of terrain, including farmland, mountains and forest. The path itself follows old drovers’ roads, paved roads and farm tracks. It is usually walked in sections over 5 or 6 days but Dr May intends on doing the whole circuit within a 48-hour period. He has taken on the challenge in recognition of the work that PAMIS does in supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families.
He said, “As part of some work I recently did for the charity I talked to a number of such families. This brought home to me how much they value the support that PAMIS gives them and the difference it makes to their lives. I hope that in some small way what I am setting out to do will repay those families for the help they gave me.
“I turn 74 this July and have been a regular hillwalker for the past 25 years. In 2005 I completed the round of Munros and I still go out regularly but tend to confine my activities to the Glen Doll/Glenshee area these days.”
PAMIS Chairman Professor James Hogg, a personal friend of Dr May, said, “David has walked all of the Munros and walks at least twice per week in the Cairngorms. His navigation under difficult conditions is first rate and we welcome David’s efforts and encourage as many people as possible to support him.”
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Dr May can do so at http://supportpamis.everydayhero.com/uk/david-may.
Notes to Editors:
PAMIS is the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. They provide a range of services and projects including; Family Support Service, Information &Library service and campaigns for equity in services for people with profound and complex disabilities.
People with PMLD and their families face many barriers to accessing and participating in the community, and PAMIS works on a number of fronts to enable inclusion and improve their quality of life.
The organisation’s priority is to provide support to family carers, carried out by 5 dedicated Family Support Services, which cover 14 local authority areas. Additional intensive support is also provided to family carers through the difficult and often stressful period of transition from child to adult services.
PAMIS has worked closely with the Scottish Government on the development of policy and practice. This work includes representation on government committees, responding to consultation exercises, and campaigning on key issues.
More information is available at www.pamis.org.uk/
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