Coast to Coast for 60-year-old Susan Kirby after two hip replacements

Mar 12 2009 By Joanne Douglas

But she had to wait until she was an adult for both hip replacements.

"Nothing has ever stopped me from doing what I waned to do," she added.

"I hope that I can inspire other people to have their hips replaced because while there is the fear of an operation, if you do all the exercises then it can make the world of difference."

Susan is a member of the Huddersfield Choral Society and is hoping to prove that 60 is the new 40 – although she could never have attempted the walk twenty years ago.

"It’s bizarre because I feel so much younger now than I did then.

"When I was 40, walking was very painful due to my hip condition.

"It’s only now that I have two artificial hips, which are working brilliantly, that I could even consider such a trek.

"My new hips have given me a new life.

"Sadly, my dad died before I had the second hip, so he never saw the transformation."

But she will have family supporting her along the way as she stays in B&Bs, pubs and camping barns.

Her son Andrew Smith, 32, a Newsome scout leader will take part in a few days of the trip along with his two-year-old daughter.

At home will be her two other sons and her mother Jean, 82, willing her on.

She will visit the Camphill Trust on her journey and see the work which offers opportunities for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and other special needs to live, learn and work with others of all abilities in an atmosphere of care and respect.

She will also raise money for the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust children’s hospice appeal and Kirkwood Hospice, saying they do wonderful work for people who really need it.

To support Susan’s effort and help support the three charities visit her Just Giving web pages and search for Susan Kirby.