It was a chance meeting with a charity’s surfing instructor on a Moray beach.
But the encounter led to Jade Edward’s first surfing experience – and it changed everything.
Jay, 10, had to have surgery on all four limbs after being struck down by meningitis when she was just two.
Despite such a tough start, she has always been adventurous.
But even Jade herself reckons she wouldn’t be gearing up to represent Scotland at next month’s World Para Surfing Championship, if she and her family hadn’t met Surfable Scotland’s Kev Anderson at Hopeman Beach during a holiday.
Surfable Scotland offers disabled people the chance to take to the waves.
Until last year, the adventurous youngster hadn’t thought of surfing ever.
But since then, she has gone on to love the sport.
Earlier this year, she made her competitive debut at the English Para Surf Competition in Bristol.
Now she will be joined by former Paralympian hand-cyclist Karen Darke in the newly-formed para surf Scotland team.
They will compete at the championship which starts on December 4 at Pismo Beach, California.
‘When I go surfing, I feel so happy’
Lisa and Fraser Edward adopted Jade at the age of six years old through adoption and fostering agency St Andrew’s Children’s Society.
Jade had already been through significant trauma.
When she was just two, the Oldmeldrum youngster had her limbs amputated after contracting meningitis.
Then she underwent further surgery to try and improve her grip and hand function, as well as a scar revision to her right forearm.
For Jay, she has no memories of her six months in hospital.
She very much lives with the consequences – but this adversity hasn’t stopped Jay’s positivity and love for the outdoors.
When I go surfing, I feel so happy.
Jade Edward
She explained: “I don’t remember being in hospital, but I’m now a quadruple amputee.
“I use a power chair to get to and from school and a skateboard when I’m out playing.
“At home I scoot around by shuffling on my bum. When I go surfing, I feel so happy. I absolutely love it.”
Jade recalls the encounter that led to the surfing opportunities.
“When we were on holiday in Hopeman, Kev came up to us and said to my mum I see your daughter has a disability, would she want a go at surfing.
” My mum said totally, and it was amazing to do it.
“Nothing can stop me now.
“I have always done skateboarding and I had never thought of surfing before that occasion.”
Watch footage provided by Surfable and @scottish_surfer of Jay showing off her slick surfing:
Excitement for California
The youngster who trains every second weekend is excited about going to California for the championship.
Jade added: “There aren’t many 10-year-olds who get the chance to do this.
“I can’t wait to meet other surfers like me.
“I think I will be competitive at higher level at surfing or skating in the future.”
Surfable hailed for support
Mum Lisa hailed Surfable for their support.
She added: ” They have been amazing and without Surfable she wouldn’t have got into surfing.
“The charity are very much yes people.
“They don’t see a problem; they will find a way around it.
“All of them are incredible people.”
She added that Jay is an “adrenaline junkie” and isn’t surprised her daughter is doing brilliantly at surfing.
Fundraising for the contest
The St Andrew’s Children’s Society has raised £9,780.50 to ensure Jade’s parents and her sister Linsey can join her in America.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Para Surf Team is looking to raise £9,650 to cover the cost of expenses to travel and stay in California for the duration of the competition.
As well to ensure the support team can come out.
Donations can be made here.
More inspiring personal stories:
- ‘Without their support, I don’t know how I would have coped’: How a random bump to the head turned the life of a Moray teenager upside down
- Paralympian backs charity vision for Scotland’s first inclusive surfing facility
- ‘Mountaineering has become my calling’: How the great outdoors helped a former soldier climb out of despair
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