Angela Lyons, the only High Performance Para Equestrian rider in Munster, and former Blarney person of the month, is on track for the Paralympics in Tokoyo in 2020, if she can secure funding to help her qualify at her next few events. To copper fasten her opportunity to ride for Ireland at the Paralympics she will have to compete at a number of International events this year and next year, all of which have to be funded. To make this dream come true for herself and her country she needs financial assistance to go towards competition and travel costs to the qualifying events. Talking to The Muskerry News, Angela told us, “As a teenager I show jumped to a very high national level but had a severe fall, which broke my hip, pelvis and femur. I could show jump no longer, and giving up riding was not an option so I took up dressage and this became the sport I love. Even with my leg disability I have won over 11 National Titles at various levels and represented Team Ireland at Para Equestrian Dressage. “Chronic pain forced me to have a hip replacement quite young and it didn’t go very well. My tibial nerve was torn which led to limited use of my foot and muscle damage and I thought I wouldn’t ride again. Keeping a photo of my horse by my bed made me keep trying, it took about 4 years for me to get back on track and back to being competitive.” But Angela’s challenges didn’t end there. She continued, “In this time I got a new horse and was ready to go for London 2012, whilst knowing something was wrong and after a year with chronic pain, fatigue and joint stiffness I was diagnosed that with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is an incurable auto immune disease that affects all my joints, my lungs and eyes. “It has been a big struggle to get back on form this time. The medications have to be injected weekly and trying to find one that works has been difficult. Through the tough times my horses and the desire to get back out competing kept me going. You need a goal in life and I have a big one, the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.” This ambitious young woman who has battled against the odds to reach the top is looking for a company or business person who is interested in supporting her on this journey by sponsoring her. As Angela said, “ I am dedicated to the sport I love and hope that I might inspire others to keep going through the hard times and never give up on your dreams.” If you can help, or would like to associate your business with Angela’s journey you can contact Angela on 087 7999007 / angela.lyons7474@gmail.com
