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A small grant of £135 provided by the Charity has made a significant impact on the lives of patients by funding the purchase of two four-wheeled walkers for the Amputee Therapy Team at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton.

By providing funds for a more stable, robust, and versatile mobility aid, the Charity has enabled patients to regain their independence, explore outdoor environments, and progress toward further mobility goals.

One medium-height four-wheeled walker and one bariatric four-wheeled walker were purchased using the £135 grant, and have been proven to be invaluable resources for patients who previously relied on Zimmer frames for mobility.

Sara Smith, Amputee Therapy Team Lead, said: “The availability of both sets of four-wheeled walkers has enabled us to provide the opportunity for 100% of the patients who previously required the use of a Zimmer frame to trial a four-wheeled walker.

“98% of these patients went on to purchase a four-wheeled walker for themselves and 35% of these have been able to access outdoor [spaces], which they wouldn’t have [been able to do] if they had only had a Zimmer frame.

“All patients report feeling more confident as they can sit and rest on their four-wheeled walker and they feel the 4 wheeled walker is more stable and robust.”

The benefits have extended beyond basic mobility improvements, the four-wheeled walkers have had a transformative impact on patient outcomes.

One patient, whose initial assessment predicted they were unlikely even to achieve indoor mobility has experienced a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the support and confidence provided by the 4-wheeled walker, this patient has progressed to walking outdoors, including visits to local shops and National Trust grounds.

The walker’s lightweight design allows the patient's wife to easily transport it in the car, eliminating the need for a wheelchair. This patient has now become a full-time prosthesis user, a milestone that seemed out of reach before the introduction of the 4-wheeled walker.

These advancements underscore the critical role that access to the right mobility equipment can play in the rehabilitation and overall quality of life for patients.

Another patient, who initially faced significant mobility challenges, has progressed to using two walking sticks after initially using the four-wheeled walker. This success story highlights the potential for these devices to serve as a stepping stone toward further mobility independence.

Charlie Cox, Impact & Evaluation Manager, at St George’s Hospital Charity said: “This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how targeted support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

“It’s heartening to read that funding from the Charity has enabled patients to regain their independence, explore outdoor environments, and progress toward further mobility goals.

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