Having lived with multiple sclerosis for almost two decades, the deputy first minister’s wife would be forgiven for wanting to avoid adventure water sports.
Although the condition has left Elizabeth Quigley unable to walk unaided and hampered her co-ordination, she remains undeterred.
Her husband, John Swinney, shared a photograph of Ms Quigley windsurfing on social media yesterday.
He commended his “courageous wife for overcoming challenges to windsurf again” on a family holiday in Tiree.
The couple have previously spoken about the toll the condition has taken on their family and their determination not to let it put their lives on hold.
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In a candid interview with The Times last month, Mr Swinney said: “There’s never been a scintilla of ‘why me’ or ‘woe is me’ from Elizabeth. It’s all been about adapting life and enjoying all we have together.”
On a holiday to the same island last year, Ms Quigley, 45, was able to use a beach wheelchair which, she said, changed her perception that she could no longer go on beach holidays.
Reflecting on her condition, she said: “There are many parents like us, dealing with disabilities of all kinds and doing their best not to let it affect their children. It would be wonderful if there was a cure for MS one day but we are not putting our lives on hold. I’ve carried on working, being a parent, being John’s wife . . . I’ve just carried on being Elizabeth.”