On Saturday September 19th 2015 ten gorgeous lady amputees were treated to a make-over and had photos taken by a professional photographer, at Proactive Prosthetics clinic in Elstead, Surrey. Sponsored by LimbPower the day was very relaxed and a lot of fun. Selected photos will be available to view on our past events page and gallery.
News
Proactive Prosthetics are first to fit UK patient with innovative knee
Geoff Blower becomes the first UK based patient to be fitted with new computer-controlled prosthetic leg allowing him to get back to his full life
Geoff Blower, from Rayleigh, Essex, had been visiting friends and was on his motorcycle travelling home as he had done so many times before, when a car collided with him resulting in the loss of his right leg.
The former motorcycle racer, 76, sustained serious injuries leading to his right leg being amputated above the knee.
Geoff has been through a period of rehabilitation with Richard Nieveen’s team at Proactive Prosthetics over the last 6 months to get him back to a level where he can enjoy his independence.
An important part of Geoff’s lifestyle is his garden where he grows his own vegetables. “I have two children and three grandchildren and thanks to the help of all the lovely people that have cared for me, I can now spend time with them out and about”, said Geoff.
Geoff now has the new Kenevo knee in his prosthesis which was designed and fitted by Proactive Prosthetics. The fitting of the prosthesis by Geoff’s prosthetist Mr Christophe Cointet was supported with physiotherapy teaching Geoff to use it safely and confidently.
“The significant gains with the knee are the levels of safety which gives the patient a greater level of confidence” said Richard Nieveen, Clinic Director, Proactive Prosthetics. “We are very pleased with what Geoff has achieved, considering his amputation was only a year ago. We expect that he will continue to increase his mobility and activities and the versatility of the Kenevo allows us to adjust settings according to Geoff’s progress in his rehabilitation. At this stage in his treatment the biggest difference we can make is improving confidence and to send him away feeling comfortable.”
“Since being fitted with the new knee, my confidence and overall mobility has increased” said Geoff. “After my accident, I felt a sense of sadness and loss, but remembered reading about Douglas Bader who was marooned without his prosthetic legs after ejecting from his aircraft over enemy territory during the Second World War. This gave me hope that I could survive what had happened and I look forward to getting on with my life”.
The Kenevo has five revolutionary functions which are permanently activated. The knee offers enhanced safety at all times and reduces the risk of falling; controlled support for sitting down and standing up; a bespoke wheelchair feature and new technology for standing still. In addition to these functions, the knee can be further tailored to the individual and offers three main ‘pre-selected’ modes designed to suit the lifestyle, mobility and needs of the individual. These modes can be changed and adapted as required in line with mobility improvement or decline.
Stefanie Reid: ‘Losing a limb helped me to love my body’
Stef Reid Competes in ParaTri Event
On Sunday 9th August Stef Reid swapped her running blade for a swim suit to compete as part of the BP team in the Para Tri event at Dorney Lake. As the sun shone and temperature rose the swim leg look like the best option and Stef got her team off to a great start with a fast swim. The BP team then powered home with a fast cycle and sprint to finish first in their wave.
Sophie Kamlish wins silver at Anniversary Games
Congratulations to Sophie Kamlish who won silver at the Anniversary Games on Sunday 26th June 15.
Sprinter Sophie Kamlish finished a superb second on her return to the former Olympic Stadium in London for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
Sophie produced a strong performance to finish runner-up to World and European champion Marlou van Rhijn in the T44 100m in front of a large home crowd on Sunday.
Her time was 13.66, while van Rhijn set a new stadium record of 13.04.
Click to watch video of Sophie’s event
Well done Sophie from the Team at Proactive.
Preparation for Rio 2016
Continuing with preparations for Rio 2016 Proactive Prosthetics are proud to support 3 paralympic athletes; Stef Reid, Sophie Kamlish and Charlie Lewis.
The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will be held from 7-18 September 2016.
The Brazilian city, with its stunning landmarks, will provide a perfect backdrop for the pinnacle of each para-athlete’s career: the Paralympic Games. Around 4,350 athletes from more than 160 countries will travel to Rio to compete in 526 medal events in 22 different sports. Canoe and triathlon will be included in the Games for the first time in Rio and each sport will stage six medal events – evenly split between male and female athletes – whilst the existing 20 summer sports will feature no less medal events than in London.
Stef, the current world record holder and paralympic silver medalist (London 2012) in the women’s F44 long jump, is preparing to compete in her 3rd paralympics in Rio 2016. | Sophie made her debut at the 2012 paralympics in the women’s F44 200m sprint at the age of just 16 when she reached the final She has gone from strength to strength and has her sights set on Rio 2016. | Charlie is preparing for selection to represent GB in the paralympic triathlon event in Rio 2016. |