Kiera

When I first become an amputee I was advised that if you want to rebuild your life and live a fulfilled and active life you will need a prosthetist who is 'like a best friend'.

I didn't quite understand the implications of this until I met Richard and his team. My first encounter with Richard was at a conference when I had only been an amputee for a couple of months. I was advised by another amputee to speak with Richard as I wanted to run the Marathon. I approached Richard about this and for the first time someone actually listened and showed genuine interest in helping me.

Not only did Richard help me understand better anatomy and physiology to enable me to get the best out of my artificial limb (he actually sat me down with a pad and pen and explained how an artificial leg works and what I needed to to be able to do to fulfil my goals), but he supported me like a friend when I needed a cycling leg to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats and when I needed a leg to walk the Great Wall of China. Richard actually delayed a holiday to get my leg finished in time!

I learnt to value and trust Richard's judgement, but I was still not prepared for the effort and support I would receive from Richard after giving birth to my daughter. I had lost over a stone and a half in weight and donning my artificial leg was like stepping into a swimming pool. For two weeks after giving birth I couldn't wear a leg and realised that if I was going to cope I needed to take action. I called Richard and within a matter of days, late nights and baby sitting duties I had a new socket and was able to resume my life. It's not often you get a phone call at 9.30 at night from a supplier to tell you that they've got your product ready and are heading home.

I'm a firm believer than actions speak louder than words and Richard is a man of action.

Kiera Roche Above Knee Amputee