Stewarts held its inaugural Amputation Conference at Evelyn Partners, fundraising for national disability sports charity LimbPower. Partner Amy Heath reviews the day in this article, accompanied by a short video.
The conference brought together amputees, charity representatives and experts in prosthetics and rehabilitation to explore the impact sport and movement can have on the lives of those with limb difference – not only elite athletes, but everyone.
The power of sport
Richard Nieveen, Consultant Prosthetist and founder of Proactive Prosthetics, opened the conference by sharing insights from his experience of working with Paralympic athletes over four games cycles. His talk highlighted the technological and clinical advancements in prosthetic development and how sport has shaped his day-to-day clinical practice over the years.
A patient’s perspective
In an inspiring session, Nichola Fosler, Partner at Stewarts, shared her client Shaun Whiter’s story. Shaun underwent bilateral through knee amputations following a road traffic collision. Nichola told us about the background to Shaun’s claim and how access to early interim funding enabled Shaun to access much-needed adapted accommodation, prosthetics and therapies, including a personal trainer and running coach. We heard from Shaun how important it was for him to return to physical activity following his injury having been so active previously. Shaun spoke passionately about the positive impact returning to sports has had on his life and how he was able to achieve this with specialist support, coaching and equipment, alongside his own determination.
The role of community and physical activity
Kiera Roche, CEO of LimbPower, outlined the charity’s mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with limb difference through inclusive sports programmes. Her presentation highlighted LimbPower’s key initiatives including community engagement programmes, adaptive sports access, school partnerships and the Children’s Prosthetic Fund. She also emphasised the psychological and social benefits of sports post-amputation.
Financial considerations
Danielle Bamber and Bronwen Lancaster from Evelyn Partners found an entertaining way of giving a presentation on the personal injury discount rate. They held an interactive quiz about the discount rate and the rationale behind how the current rate was set.
Rediscovering identity and overcoming barriers
Holly King, Specialist Amputee Physiotherapist and Chair of Trustees at Stride Forward, gave an inspiring talk on the importance of discovering what it is that makes life meaningful. Holly told us about the significance of mentorship in helping individuals reclaim their identity after a life-changing injury and the work Stride Forward does to facilitate that mentorship.
Next, Mukhtar Adam, trustee and ambassador for the Limbless Association, and Paralympian Julie Rodgers provided personal insights as amputees. Julie spoke about the importance of finding disability sports as a child and how she has challenged herself in numerous sports since starting her journey as a sitting volleyball player. Mukhtar highlighted the invaluable support of the Limbless Association’s ambassadors during his own recovery, which inspired him to take on the role.
Adaptive sports and rehabilitation
A fascinating session, ‘On the Ropes: Building a Paraclimbing Community’, featured Mark McIntosh, Amputee and Trauma Service Lead at Hobbs Rehabilitation, alongside GB Paraclimber James Rudge, who discussed the rehabilitative and inclusive power of climbing. As a specialist physiotherapist, Mark offered insights into how climbing integrates into rehabilitation frameworks, while James offered his perspectives as someone with a limb difference. He highlighted his experiences in the sport and the mission of the UK Paraclimbing Collective to bring this inclusive sport to as many people as possible.
In the conference’s final session, Chris Smith, Partner at Stewarts, led a conversation with his clients John and Eileen Hendon. John, a bilateral below-knee amputee who was once told that walking again was unlikely, shared his powerful story of defying expectations. Eileen and John provided insights on how life has changed for them and how the way they have adapted has allowed John to accomplish extraordinary achievements, from flipping tyres and pulling trucks to enjoying running with his grandchildren.
It was an inspirational end to a fascinating day of discussions and shared experiences.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Amputation Conference; we look forward to seeing you at our next event.
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