A charity that connects amputees thanks to a chance meeting between two families at a park in Isleham has held its second celebration day.
Steel Bones works to connect the amputee community to give latest news on a healthy and active lifestyle, signpost useful services, therapists, personal trainers, sports clubs and provide flexible career opportunities.
The focus is on the entire family.
Gabby Furze said the idea began after she and her eldest child Jorja, an amputee from birth, met by chance with Emma Joy-Staines and her husband Leigh, an amputee, with their family.
“Her children had never met another amputee before,” she said.
“We got chatting and both agreed there is no support for amputees and their families. This made us feel isolated as a family and we all agreed that there must be others who felt the same.
“Emma and her husband came up with the idea of the charity after Jorja said it would be nice to see more amputees having fun with their families.”
They held their second celebration day last weekend which was hosted by the British American committee at Mildenhall and was attended by 150 amputees and their families.
Gabby said: “Leigh lost his leg eight years ago due to complications whilst undergoing an operation.
“Jorja was born without her lower leg. It is quite a lonesome disability and there is a lack of understanding in the general public and government as to what amputation means for an individual and a family.
“We formed Steel Bones with the help of a fantastic group of friends most of whom now form part of our trustees.
“We are passionate about supporting families. One of our goals is to release a series of children’s books featuring amputees in normal, everyday situations.
“Jorja is our young person’s ambassador who is helping finalise these plans with her school.
“She was awarded the title of child of achievement at the Ely hero’s awards. She is very humble for this saying “I really don’t understand why I received this, I’m just me.”
“Not only has she helped with the set up of Steel Bones, she also started a group at school for children with anxieties.
“We also want to ensure every vascular and orthopaedic ward has an informative, inspiring pack which every new amputee is given written by amputees for amputees.”
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