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عربي

Charity to help deprived amputees
 30/07/2007

Last Modified: 16 Jul 2007
Source: PA News
Two Scots who fought to overcome the loss of their hands and feet have set up a charity to help amputees in the world's most deprived communities.

Olivia Giles, 41, and Jamie Andrew, 37, from Glasgow, lead active lives thanks to prosthetics provided by the health service.

But they now want to help those who are not as fortunate with the new Edinburgh-based charity - 500 Miles - which is aimed at supporting amputees by delivering prosthetic services and care in areas of desperate need.

The name is inspired by the Proclaimers' lyrics "I would walk 500 miles" from the hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Mountaineer Mr Andrew had his hands and feet amputated after suffering severe frostbite on a climbing trip in the Alps in 1999. He met Ms Giles after she lost her hands and feet through the blood poisoning form of meningitis in 2002.

Mr Andrew, who has taken up skiing, run a marathon and returned to climbing since his amputations, said: "In the UK the NHS provides prosthetic limbs to all amputees who are able to use them, allowing them to get on with their lives.

"In other parts of the world, where, every year, thousands of men, women and children lose arms and legs due to war, landmines, disease and poverty, loss of a limb means loss of livelihood, home and family - if not death.

"We intend to fundraise in the UK so that 500 Miles can make strategic grants to suitable projects in places where the need is greatest."