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Heather starts the Achilles Hope and Possibility Run

Central Park, New York City, June 27, 2010

Heather and Prince Harry joined thirty-four members of the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans for the 8th Annual Achilles Hope and Possibility run in Central Park on Sunday morning, June 27th.

The 5 mile run also included 5,000 runners of all ability levels including New York Governor David Paterson, Cindy McCain, Meghan McCain, the "Central Park Jogger" Trisha Meili whose bestselling memoir, I Am The Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope & Possibility, inspired the race.

The race has become a celebration of life, community, achievement, and the power of the human spirit. It was a truly inspirational day and Heather was very proud to have been chosen to start the race.

We all take knocks in our lives but true spirit and strength of character is displayed in how quickly we get up and dust ourselves down to rise to the challenges of another day. Heather was chosen to start this race because in this regard Heather scores a perfect ten everytime and has become an inspiration to those that have suffered the severe trauma of losing a limb

There was no shortage of inspiration at the NYRR's 8th Annual Achilles Hope & Possibility run/walk in Central Park. Onlookers crowded the five-mile course to cheer on runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers in the event, which encourages athletes with disabilities to embrace the joy of running. But judging by the thunderous applause at the finish line, everyone who completed the five-mile course, whether in 24 minutes or two hours, was a star.

In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running – small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International.

Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 70 countries. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.

[Last Updated: 7th July 2010]