GSE UK Charity 2023 LimbPower – ‘living life without limbs’

GSE UK members and guests will be fundraising for LimbPower, the national organisation that supports amputees, individuals with limb difference and their families, at our 2023 conference.

The charity was proposed by Sue Parsons, GSE UK Membership Secretary. “I became aware of LimbPower when a family member was born in 2017 with a one-in-a-million health condition, tibial hemimelia,” she says. Almost all children with tibial hemimelia will require surgery to help them stand, walk, and play. “In Harley’s case, he was born without a shin bone, and with other health issues. The difficult decision was taken to amputate his leg when he was just six months old,” Sue adds.

She says LimbPower became an extended part of the family, supporting Harley, explaining how things would work, and helping them learn about prosthetics. It also organises events including Family Fun Days, the LimbPower Games, and annual skills camp. “They’ve really encouraged and helped Harley – now there’s no stopping him!”

LimbPower was launched in 2009 to engage amputees and people with limb impairments in physical activity, sports and the arts to help improve quality of life and lifelong rehabilitation. Bridging the gap between hospital rehabilitation and community and school engagement, it aims to rebuild lives and improve physical, social and mental wellbeing. Its work includes advocacy, in-person and online events and workshops, video resources including YouTube channel, and printed materials.

With its HQ in Surrey, the charity is managed by a small team of enthusiastic staff, supported by a Board of Trustees, and dedicated volunteers. “This is a fantastic charity, and I’m so glad GSE UK members can support it. Harley has promised to give me a couple of his old prosthetic limbs to collect donations – at six he’s growing fast, and gets through a lot – so look out for them at Whittlebury Hall this October.”

Registered charity No.1132829 – https://www.limbpower.com/

LimbPower resources for children

Visit the LimbPower YouTube channel