Becky rises above rare disease to become paraclimbing champion
A Grantown teenager has risen above the rare disease attacking “virtually every bit” of her body by becoming a British paraclimbing champion.
Rebecca Gilchrist (18) is in a race against time before a range of disorders lead to life in a wheelchair.
But she was on top of the world earlier this week as she told the Strathy of her podium place in London at the latest British Lead and Paraclimbing Championships.
Far from climbing walls in despair, Rebecca climbs in fun and freedom.
She said: “I’m competitive and I want to make it to Team GB membership, but my love of climbing is that it has placed me in a wonderful world of companionship and shared experience.
“I so missed it last year during lockdown, and being back climbing has meant the world.”
Her mother Clare, said: “Climbing is a godsend for Becca’s health as she has several issues going on, but the EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndromes) is the worst one, affecting virtually every bit of her body inside.
“Everything is way too stretchy.”
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of rare inherited conditions affecting connective tissues which provide support in skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, internal organs and bones.
Rebecca’s joint hypermobility means loose, unstable joints which dislocate easily, among her many other issues.
Specialists warn sufferers to be careful about activities which put a lot of strain on patients’ joints or put them at risk of injury but, ironically, stress that “it’s also important not to be overprotective and avoid living an otherwise normal life”.
Mrs Gilchrist explained: “The prognosis is difficult as everyone is different and affected in different ways, but she certainly won’t get any better – pretty much all her organs are affected now.
“The paediatrician was funny, as she told Becca to carry on climbing and not to worry about the dislocations since that is what orthopaedic surgeons are for!”
Becca, or “Smurf” as her many climbing friends know her, competes in special hip supports which help with the constant problem of dislocation.
As the only Scottish entrant climbing in the British Paraclimbing Championships, she carried the flag high and performed breathtakingly well.
“Her RP1 group – the level of disability – was merged when we got there,” said her proud mother.
“It made for a much harder competition than expected.
“She came second overall, and first for her own group, so is British Paraclimb champion!”
Since discovering the joys of climbing, Becca has been propelled on her way by many supporters.
You can read more of this story in this week's Strathy
