Amputee duo Tony Smith and Des Erskine meet in honour of Finding Your Feet charity

Tony Smith, from Drumchapel, had both of his legs amputated above the knee in 2019 due to vascular disease.

The 59-year-old found a best friend in Des Erskine after the pair met through the Finding Your Feet charity, who support anyone affected by amputation or limb absence.

On Friday, the duo, described as “the cheekiest of double acts”, raced around The Peugeot Ashfield Stadium on their electric mobility scooters to raise vital funds and raise awareness of the charity.

Speaking on Thursday, Tony said: “I was introduced to Des just after lockdown started. A group of amputees used to meet in Paisley once a fortnight. When this stopped, the charity set up Zoom meetings with people all over the country.

“I would say he’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had although I’ve never actually met him. When I’m down, I know Des is there for me, just the same as I am for him.

“We’re both desperate to meet each other. The last year has been like a lifetime between friends that have never met. It’s hard to explain how the two of us have bonded.

“We have so much in common. We’re both sons of miners, our wives are both hairdressers, there’s so many similarities or coincidences through our lives, although we’ve never ever met.

“Through the Zoom meetings I’ve met a lot of amputees from all over Scotland – people that wouldn’t have made it to the Paisley office. We’ve all been able to link together so it’s been good to find out other experiences from amputees out with the Glasgow area.”

Following a motorcycle accident, Des, 65, from Bathgate, had one leg amputated three years ago, and the other two years ago.

He said: “Tony and I get on so well because we have the same background, we’re good pals and we will remain so.

“We had a brilliant day and we’ve raised good funds.”

More than £1,400 has been raised following Friday’s race as part of the virtual Kiltwalk. Donations will be topped up by 50 per cent, thanks to Sir Tom Hunter.

Cor Hutton, of Finding your Feet, said: “Des and Tony are the cheekiest of double acts, bickering, laughing, winding each other up and entertaining all our troopers through lockdown.

“On Friday, they ‘pimped their rides’ with tartan accessories and go faster stripes. We had chequered flags and loud hooters to add some atmosphere. We have to have our laughs in any way we can and in true Finding Your Feet style, the quirkier the better.”

Volunteers from the charity visited Tony in hospital after his first leg amputation in April 2019. He has since been involved by attending regular activities put on for amputees.

Tony said: “The charity means a whole lot to me. It is the difference between me still being alive and very active to being possibly, not being here.

“The biggest cause of deterioration and health in amputees is isolation. Finding Your Feet take you out of that isolation and make you realise that you belong, just like everybody else. My family think the world of the charity as well.”

Last year, Tony, who was born and brought up in Clydebank, raised around £2000 for Finding Your Feet after walking the length of his street 2.6 times in his prosthetic legs.

It was the first time he’d ventured outside with them, and the walk took him around 45 minutes.

At the time, he said: “I’ve walked it hundreds of times before and it only takes minutes but it’s a different story when you’re on stubbies.

“I used to walk for miles. I’ve completed 30-odd Munros and always used to walk down to Old Kilpatrick from Faifley, so all that has changed. But that’s not to say I won’t get back to it in the future.”

Tony, who is currently using a wheelchair or his mobility scooter, is waiting on a new set of stubbies getting made.

He said: “My stumps have changed so it means I can only walk on proper level surfaces in the house.

“If I try to walk in the garden, my legs slip, and it can be rather painful. I’m on the waiting list for new ones but I just hope they’re ready in time for my son’s wedding in August.”

Currently, more than 900 amputees benefit from Finding Your Feet’s services, that have adapted by going virtual during lockdown.

An online programme of events includes live fitness classes, pilates, chair yoga, quizzes, meditation, and more.

Kerr Ferguson, of Finding Your Feet, said: “Both Tony and Des have made it clear how vital our support has been throughout lockdown, and they want to thank us by fundraising.

“It’s heart-warming because they know exactly where that money will go and how much it’ll help. The real benefit though is the fact that two amputees are meeting for the first time after forming a great friendship.

“That’s the most important part of all of this, and it shows us that what we’re doing is working.”

To donate to Tony’s fundraiser, click here or to donate to Des’ fundraiser, click here.