INNOVATION FOR INDEPENDENCE ISSUE 98 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 £6.95

By Nicola Hyde

A HI-TECH artificial hand costing just£200 has been designed by a Universityof Derby student hoping to help lowerarm amputees in the Third Word.

The 'Myo' low-cost prosthesis is one ofa range of new products created by theUniversity's final year students, whichwent on display at the New Designers2014 exhibition, at London's BusinessDesign Centre.

Matt Thompson, 24, who has justcompleted a BSc (Hons) Product DesignEngineering degree course at Derby,designed his Myo hand with developingand Third World countries in mind.

He said: "Disease and war unfortunatelymeans there's a lot of demand forprosthetic limbs in poorer countries.

“Researching the subject, I found outthat upper limb prostheses are morecomplicated and expensive than lowerlimb ones, and also that good ones arebeyond the financial reach of mostpeople living in those countries.

"It cost me about £200 in materials tobuild the Myo hand. It's made of atough nylon resin called Zytel with non-

slip grips for the fingers. The fingers arefully articulated and what will reallybring the cost of the hand's electronicsdown is that I replaced the manyindividual motors for different actions,with just two, which will work off arotating disc in the Myo's wrist."

The arm would be controlled throughthe use of electromyography, a systemused for many artificial limbs.

“Three electrodes will run from the Myohand to the real upper arm of theamputee, who would be taught tocontrol the prosthetic hand using theupper arm's individual musclemovements.

Matt will now work on developing afully-functioning prototype.

He added: “I don't think anyone elsehas managed to create a low-costartificial hand where, effectively, onecontrol disc could make all of thehand's fingers move independently.

“I'm hoping the Myo can be refinedand mass marketed, to bring its costsdown even further.

“I believe it could make life a lot easierfor many upper limb amputees inpoorer parts of the world.”

Matt creates alow-cost handfor third world

A team of German designers have created life-like body parts from silicone thatmost people can’t tell are prosthetics. Alex Stamos and Christoph Braun createdStamos Braun Prosthesenwerk six months ago in Dresden and work withpatients for prosthetics tailored to their needs Christoph Braun, who has 18years’ experience creating traditional prosthetics, said the prostheses vary inthe time they take to craft, depending on the type of limb required and the levelof customisation needed. The prosthetics range in cost from £1,460 to £5,000.

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ContactsEditorialJudith Halkerston Group EditorEmail: jh@scriptmedia.co.uk

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Tel: 01226 734407Nicola Hyde ReporterEmail: news@scriptmedia.co.uk

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Circulationcirculation@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk24 hour hotline: 01226 734695

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Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all contents, the publishers do not accept liability for any error, printed

or otherwise, that may occur.

www.assistivetechnologies.co.uk

Man who lost hand inbombing wins award By Nicola Hyde

A MAN who lost his hand in anightclub bombing has been nameda finalist in a prestigious awardcategory for overcoming adversity.

Stephen Lowry, who has a bebionic3myo-electric hand, was praised at the2014 Sunday Life Spirit of NorthernIreland Awards with Specsavers.

Stephen’s finalist award, which looksto recognise individuals who haveovercome significant personalchallenges, was presented by HolbyCity and The Fall actress, NiamhMcGrady, in a ceremony held at TheCulloden Hotel.

The victim of a nightclub bombattack in 1985, which resulted in theloss of his right hand, Stephen spentalmost two decades struggling withcumbersome, cosmetic andmechanical prostheses before beingselected to trial the bebionic3 byMusgrave Park Hospital’s RegionalDisablement Services.

The revolutionary piece of kit,manufactured by Leeds-basedcompany RSLSteeper, gave Stephen anew lease of life, enabling him to

carry out previously impossible tasks,such as using cutlery and driving, aswell as taking on new challenges likeflying.

Stephen said: “In the early daysfollowing the amputation I reallystruggled to come to terms with mynew life and the limitations imposedupon me as a result of the attack.Losing a limb completely felt like theend of the world, but, as time wenton, I came to realise that things

didn’t have to be that way.

“I want to raise awareness about thistype of disability and share myexperience with people who may befacing those same tumultuousemotions that I did all of those yearsago. It’s so humbling to be chosenfor an award such as this – each andevery nominee was so deserving –I’m completely stunned to have beennominated and shortlisted for thefinals.”

Stephen Lowry with Rachel Kennedy, Niamh McGrady and Carys Magill.

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THE chief executive of a charityset up to raise money foramputees plans to lead byexample and has set herself afitness challenge.

Kiera Roche, of LimbPower, aimsto cycle from London toAmsterdam in September to raise£2,000 for the charity.

She said: “I talk to, meet andwatch amputees on a daily basisand it staggers me the impactlosing a limb can have on aperson and what a struggle itcan be to get back to normal.

“For some it is a daily strugglewith physical pain or emotionalpain, for others it is socketcomfort or fit, reduced bodyimage, self esteem anddepression.

“Every year I set myself a newchallenge to help others andsupport the charity I founded. Ineed a challenge to keep me fit.I want to lead by example toshow that a normal person likeme, with a job and children canstill keep fit and active, live a fulllife.”

Kiera gets onher bike forchallenge

By Nicola Hyde

AN international sporting event hasbeen announced for wounded andinjured servicemen and women.

Mobility specialists Ottobock hasbeen announced as official technicalservice provider for the first everInvictus Games – presented by JaguarLand Rover.

The company will repair equipmentsuch as wheelchairs and prostheticlimbs damaged in competition, andwill also support the British ArmedForces team.

Over 400 competitors from 14nations will take part in the games,with teams coming from the armedforces of nations that have servedalongside each other.

The Invictus Games will be held inLondon from September 10-14 inQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park andLee Valley Athletics Centre.

Phil Yates, managing director atOttobock, said: “Ottobock has beensupporting people with disabilitiesparticipate in sports and recreationfor more than three decades.

“We are very excited to use thisexperience to be part of the very firstInvictus Games.

“Ottobock offers the world‘s mostadvanced prosthetic technology thathelps veterans to lead active,independent lives.

“To see veterans in action using thetechnology this September will betruly inspiring.”

Some of the competitors at theGames will be users of the mostadvance prosthetic technologyavailable in the world, including thenew Genium™ X3, the world’s mosttechnologically advancedmicroprocessor prosthetic leg.

In the UK, an £11million Governmentfund has led the way in ensure ex-Servicemen and women who areamputees have access to the highestlevel of prosthetics and rehabilitationcare.

This is now the same as the careArmed Forces provide for men andwomen currently serving in the BritishArmy, Royal Navy and Royal AirForce.

First sports event totake place in London

The Invictus Games will attract 400competitors from 14 nations.

A JOINT venture from DorsetOrthopaedic and Ottobock hasprovided a teenager with arevolutionary sports blade so she cancontinue her Paralympic swimmingdream.

Emily Harris, 16, is a Paralympicstandard swimmer and is earmarkedfor the 2016 Paralympics in Rio deJaneiro.

Born without the Tibia in her rightleg, Emily had her right legamputated through the knee whenshe was one year old.

Emily relies on a sports blade for herland training such as running andcircuit training, in order to reach herpeak fitness potential for swimming.

Emily’s prosthetic limb is essential forher training, but her previousprosthesis had worn out beyondrepair.

Dorset Orthopaedic and Ottobockcollaborated to donate a specialisedsports blade for the athlete after aspecial request from the Paralympicsorganisation and Baroness SueCampbell.

Emily’s mum Donna said: “Emily wasvery lucky that Dorset Orthopaedicand Ottobock heard about herpositive outlook and her swimming

aspirations and donated this high-tech prosthesis in order to supporther training.

“Emily loves her new prosthesis andthe responsiveness of the blade, it isa massive improvement from her lastblade as she has a better range ofmovement on it and it gives hergreater freedom to keep fit andparticipate in land training.”

In order to create a prosthesisspecifically suited to Emily, Ottobockdonated the hydraulic fitness kneeand double curve carbon fibre blade,while Dorset Orthopaedic producedthe Comfort Fit SocketTM,manufactured from super lightweightcarbon fibre composite.

Dorset Orthopaedic managingdirector David Hills said: “Emily hasbeen a client of ours since she wastwo years old and we have watchedwith pleasure as she develops herswimming career.

“As she is anticipated for the Rio2016 Paralympics, this prosthesis willbenefit her greatly with her futuretraining, hopefully allowing her toachieve her dreams of representingher country.

“We wish her all the best and lookforward to watching how she getson.”

New blade helps Emilyto continue her dream

A NEW manager has been appointedto cover the Midlands and Wales forrehab company Radcliffe Rehab.

Gary Beresford has extensiveexperience in postural care productsfor paediatrics and adults – dealingwith clinicians in Social Services,Wheelchair Services, ChildDevelopment Centres and AdultServices.

MDJonathan Horne said: “We are

delighted that Gary has joined us, hisknowledge and expertise, combinedwith his commitment and customerservice focus, will provide supportand solutions to our customers andtheir clients, across our range ofspecialist products.”

Radcliffe Rehab, based in Brackley,Northamptonshire, provide mobilityand rehabilitation products for adultsand children throughout the UK.

Company appoints new manager

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS are being askedto come forward with successfulprojects they feel has helped raisephysical activity levels in localcommunities.

The ukactive Research Institute andthe National Centre for Sport andExercise Medicine are gatheringexamples of ‘good and promising’practice on behalf of Public HealthEngland (PHE).

The review covers activities such asrehabilitation after injury, weight lossand falls prevention, as well asdance, cycling, walking.

Programmes submitted by projectsand services based in England will beconsidered for inclusion in a PHE

national physical activity frameworkto be published in the autumn.

Stuart Palma, professional adviser forthe Chartered Society ofPhysiotherapists, said: “Physio staffare in the unique position of havingthe expertise, knowledge andexperience of working safely andeffectively with patients with multipleco-morbidities to increase physicalactivity levels.

“This can be during rehabilitation, toassist with weight loss, socialcohesion, supporting the physicallyinactive and those with medicalconditions to get more active. It isvital that physiotherapists share theirknowledge and input to thisprogramme.”

Physios asked to comeforward with projects

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A GROUP of four amputees will bebraving temperatures as low as 18°Cto swim the English Channel as arelay team in September.

The team have already had tocomplete a continuous swim of atleast two hours in open water atSwimmer’s Beach near Dover toprove they are up to the task.

Craig Howorth, Stephen White,Jamie Gillespie and Conrad Thorpewill be abiding by the OfficialChannel Swimming Association rules,which do not make any specialdispensations for amputees. The menwill not be allowed to wear wetsuitsand have chosen not to wear theirprosthetic limbs.

Stephen, a keen swimmer,

approached Jamie, his prosthetist, tosee if he was interested in takingpart. Jamie then contacted Conradand Craig was recruited from abulletin sent out to members ofBLESMA, the limbless veteranscharity.

Annette Hall, head of fundraising atBLESMA said: “For members to makeup the first all-amputee ChannelSwim team is something special, butfor them to also be fundraising for usis fantastic. Everyone at BLESMA isfully behind them as they attemptthis challenge and join me in wishingthem the best in their endeavour.”

The swimmers are all at varying levelsof experience – Craig Howorth, 46, isa right leg below-the-knee amputeeafter losing his leg in a road traffic

accident in 2006. He had previouslyserved as a submariner in the RoyalNavy from 1988 to 1993 and nowworks as a trail leader for MilitaryMountain Bikers.

Jamie Gillespie, 39, was serving as aSapper with the Royal Engineerswhen he was involved in a roadtraffic accident and lost his left legbelow the knee in 1994. He wasdischarged from the Army in 1995and has since retrained as aprosthetist and is living in Watford.

Stephen White, 49, was serving as aRifleman with The Royal GreenJackets when a cruciate knee injuryled to him losing his left leg abovethe knee. Stephen was dischargedfrom the Army in 1987 and has sincebecome a chief executive.

Conrad Thorpe, 50, grew up in EastAfrica and represented Kenya at theCommonwealth Games in 1982.

He served in the Royal Marines for 21years, during which time he wasselected for the Special Boat Serviceand served all over the world withthem, retiring as a LieutenantColonel. Conrad damaged his anklewhile running which eventually led toan elective amputation in 2011.

Jamie is his prosthetist – which is alsohow he joined the team. Conrad isnow the chief executive of one ofAfrica’s leading risk management andsecurity companies.

Sponsorships can be sent to the teamat www.justgiving.com/stephen-white12

Amputees to tackle the Channel for charityCraig Howorth, Conrad Thorpe. Jamie Gillespie and Stephen White will brave temperatures as low as 18°C as part of a relay team taking part in the challenge.

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‘Catapult’ foot keeps Adriancompeting internationallyAN INTERNATIONAL distance runnerwho lost his leg when he was hit bya motorbike has not let his disabilitystop his sporting career.

Adrian Howden had a successfulsporting career when he lost his rightleg in an accident eight years agoand – for the past five years – hasreturned to competinginternationally.

He has taken part in duathlons andtriathlons across the globe and hasjust returned from the WorldDuathlon Championships, withprevious events taking him toCanada, France and Spain.

Adrian is a client of RSLSteeper anddebuted Freedom Innovations’‘Catapult’ running foot, securing asilver medal for his performance lastyear.

This year saw Adrian achieve a timeof 1:20:14, putting him as thesecond lower limb amputee to crossthe finish line and placing him eighthoverall in the PT4 category.

Adrian said: “This year, some of thecategories had been merged, makingthe event significantly morecompetitive than in previous years.Although the course is always toughgoing, I’ve completely settled into

running with the ‘Catapult’ and it’smy blade of choice for all majorcompetitions now.”

Adrian has already begun raisingfunds for the 2015 World DuathlonChampionships, which are set to takeplace in Adelaide, Australia.

Adrian Howden was the second lower limbamputee at the World DuathlonChampionships.

A BESPOKE dress made fromthousands of train tickets has beendesigned for a Paralympic athlete tofit over her wheelchair.

Anne Wafula-Strike MBE unveiled thedress – made of 3,500 train tickets –in London this month to raiseawareness of Polio and Post PolioSyndrome (PPS).

Anne said: “I am a big believer thatdisability is no bar to anything, andthe greatest disability of all is in facthow some people think.

“Polio and PPS has not stopped mefulfilling my sporting or careerambitions and it should not stoppeople looking good. Just becauseyou use a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean

you can’t be sexy and glamorous andthis designer dress is a great way toget that message across. It was awonderful, liberating feeling to turna few heads today and challengesome misconceptions about disability,Polio and PPS along the way.”

The bespoke dress has been made byhaute couture designer Aleah Leigh -it took 21 days to produce. She waschallenged to deliver a great look,with a ‘wheelchair friendly’ dress andto do this using an unusual materialto promote disability in a new andpositive way.

It is hoped the ticket dress will helpAnne and The British Polio Fellowshipdraw attention to Polio and PPS inthe charity’s 75th anniversary year.

Dress is just the ticketAnne Wafula-Strike MBE models the dress made of 3,500 train tickets.

NEW research claims that robotic andcomputer assisted devices arestruggling to win over orthopaedicsurgeons.

The research, published in London byGlobalData, says that whilemarketing drivers will continue toenhance the existing growth trend inthe global computer-assisted devicesspace, computer-assisted and roboticsurgery is expected to remain thereserve of top-tier hospitals, mostly indeveloped countries.

The report states that the risingutilization of robotic surgeries willhave a minimal impact on theorthopedic power tools market andthe cost-effectiveness of roboticdevices for high-volume surgeries,such as large joint reconstruction andspinal fusion, remains to be justified.

It adds that the current economicclimate has resulted in many hospitalsfeeling reluctant to embrace thesemodern technologies, as they see along delay for the equipment torecoup the extensive capital output.

Analyst Linda Tian said: “Computer-assisted navigation provides analternative method to improvingprecision in alignment, and has beenrecognised as a useful technique inpatients with bone deformity.

“While navigation has earnedincreased enthusiasm from theorthopaedic community over the pastfew years, with applications nowevolving for use in hips and kneeswith less deformity in routine jointreplacement surgeries, cost-effectiveness remains a significantbarrier to the widespread adoption ofthese devices.

“Although the surgical protocol ofrobotic-assisted procedures is well-established, the technology has beenslow to gain general acceptance.

“As with computer-assisted devices,the lingering issue is the cost ofrobotic systems, as orthopedicsurgeons often question whether theclinical benefits offered by thisequipment can outweigh the extraexpenditure.”

Assisted devicesstuggling to winover surgeons

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THE founder of a world-leadingprosthetic technologies company hasbeen awarded a CBE for his work inupper limb prosthetics.

David Gow, from Touch Bionics, wasnamed Commander of the Order ofthe British Empire in this year’sQueen’s Birthday Honours list.

Company spokesman Ian Stevenssaid: “We are thrilled that David hasbeen recognised for his work inupper limb prosthetic.

“This honour acknowledges David’sdedicated and unique engineeringskill in developing the revolutionary i-limb bionic hand which hasempowered thousands of patientsworldwide with restored functionand independence.”

In 1981 David, an engineer, joinedthe Bioengineering Centre at thePrincess Margaret Rose Hospital in

Edinburgh, with responsibility forresearch and development. Workingon the development of electronicarms, including shoulders, wrists andhands, Gow developed a partial handsystem that received internationalacclaim. Later in his tenure he wasalso responsible for the fitting of theworld's first electrically poweredshoulder.

In 2002, Gow led the first spin-outcompany out from the NationalHealth Service, which later becameTouch Bionics.

David said: “I am grateful to berecognized alongside so manyextraordinary people in the UK.

“The CBE award is a great honourand I feel lucky to have beenfortunate to work alongside skilledteams of engineers, clinicians andentrepreneurs.”

Firm’s founder awarded CBE

By Nicola Hyde

A NEW medical study has shown thatexercise can have a number of healthbenefits for patients with kneeosteoarthritis.

Researchers from the NorthwesternUniversity Feinberg School ofMedicine in Chicago investigatedwhether following physical activityguidelines would lead to betterresults for osteoarthritis patients interms of health-related utility – ameasure of overall health status andquality of life, which is commonlyincorporated into cost-effectivenessanalyses.

Cross-sectional data from 1,908adults with or at risk for kneeosteoarthritis was assessed in thestudy, with physical activity measuredusing seven days of monitoring viamotion sensors.

According to results published in thejournal Arthritis Care & Research,only 13 per cent of participants metphysical activity guidelines, with 45per cent categorised as completelyinactive.

Relative to the inactive group,median health-related utility scoreswere significantly greater for thegroup that met the physical activityguidelines, while those who wereactive without meeting the guidelineswere still better off than the inactivepatients.

“We found a significant positiverelationship between physical activitylevel and health-related utility.

“Interventions that encourage adults,including persons with kneeosteoarthritis, to increase physicalactivity even if recommended levelsare not attained may improve theirquality of life," the researchersconcluded.

A spokesman for Arthritis ResearchUK said: “Exercise to strengthen thequadriceps muscle in the thigh thatsupports the knee joint is reallyimportant for people withosteoarthritis of the knee in terms ofreducing their pain.

“Swimming and cycling and otherkinds of non-weight-bearing exerciseare particularly effective.”

Exercise benefitsarthritis patients,research reveals

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By Nicola Hyde

A TEAM of four adventurers havecompleted a world first by travellingfrom Land’s End to John O’Groats ina straight line – a challenge whichtook almost a month and includedthe most extreme coastal, mountainand urban environments in the UK.

The Beeline Britain team, including aParalympian and double amputeeveteran, arrived at the UK mainland’smost northerly point after an epicvoyage across the country andreceived a congratulatory phone callfrom His Royal Highness Prince Harry.

Prince Harry said: “You've done asterling job. I am so glad you'veenjoyed it and I am really sad I didn'tget to join you.

“This was a seriously hard andarduous journey, in such a shortspace of time. You've startedsomething that other people canreally latch on to and we're going tomake sure we do our best to supportit. It's a huge feat, I am really proudof you all.”

The team, which is supported byPrince Harry’s Endeavour Fund, havecovered over 1,100kms from Land’s

End. They kayaked, cycled, mountainbiked and hiked their way across theUK, completing two record breakingsea crossings on route, including thelongest open sea kayak crossing inthe UK; 34 hours of non-stopkayaking.

The record breaking team of fourinclude Paralympian and doubleamputee Army veteran NickBeighton; Tori James the first Welshwoman to summit Mount Everest; IanO’Grady, RAF helicopter crewmanand founder of the Beeline BritainConcept; and Adam Harmer, outdoorinstructor and lecturer at LiverpoolJohn Moores University.

Ian O’Grady, who devised the BeelineBritain concept, said: “Three yearsago this was just a crazy idea I had toraise awareness of how inspirationalour injured veterans are; to bearriving in John O’Groats aftercrossing the whole country is justbrilliant. I am so delighted to be hereand amazed by the effort of thewhole Beeline team and allsupporters.”

The team started their ambitiouschallenge with a gruelling first leg,setting a new UK sea kayaking record

by paddling for over 34 hours and200km from Land’s End toPembrokeshire. Beeline Britain thentook them on a 150km kayak toAnglesey and then on to the Isle ofMan where they had to contend withthe TT motorbikes to cycle across theisland before kayaking to Scotland.

The four adventurers then cycledacross Scotland before mountainbiking and hiking across theCairngorm Mountains. NickBeighton, Paralympian used speciallydesigned mountain hand-bikes totackle the rugged Scottish terrainbefore the four ditched their wheelsto hike to the top of Ben MacDui,the UKs second highest peak.

Nick, Paralympian, double amputeeand Afghanistan veteran, said: “Thishas been a tough challenge, my bodyhas been blown up and bolted backtogether again and I know BeelineBritain would test it to its limits. Forme I wanted to show how lifechanging injuries don’t limit yourability to tackle epic challenges and Iwanted to raise funds for BLESMAwho make a hugely positive impacton injured veterans; I feel we’veachieved all of those aims.”

They have raised money for BLESMA;the limbless veterans charity. Todonate to BLESMA Text “Line 59” to70070 or go to www.justgiving.com/beelinebritain.

The team of adventurers reach the finish at John O’Groats after travelling from Land’s End in a straight line – a challenge which took almost a month.

Team completes Land’s Endto John O’Groats challenge

Double amputee Army veteran Nick Beighton chats to Prince Harry on the phone.

The Beeline Britain team celebarte at the end of their 1,100km trip.

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One size does not fit all when itcomes to assistive technology By Fran Vicray

I WAS going to call this article, ‘All Iwant for Christmas is a new PowerWheelchair’, and detail the process oftrialling, prescription, ordering,paying a deposit, then waiting andwaiting for delivery.

But while I was finding a moment tocalculate the exact dates ofprescription, deposit and wait,something way more interestinghappened.

The new, lean, mean street-machinearrived and it was moderatelycomfortable and only required a fewadjustments. But the interesting thingwas that, when I started using it noone noticed. It was a bit like dyingyour hair purple in feminist protestand your friends thinking you’dmerely over-done the Thatcherist-look. I thought I must work with themost politically correct people in theuniverse, who might have noticedbut thought it inappropriate tocomment. They were merely goingabout their everyday routine. Butthen I asked myself, ‘how could youactually not notice?’ It’s like a personwith long hair coming to work as a

skin-head after having their headshaved. So I started asking peopleand kind of pointing at my chair.

This is when I learned the mostinteresting thing. Their responseswere, ‘it looked so like you we didn’tnotice the difference’.

This should be a crucial element inthe process of Assistive Technologyselection and prescription. Theaesthetic of the Assistive Technologyshould match the aesthetic of theperson. This can only be achievedwhen the person has choice overwhat equipment they use.

My key selection criterion for thisnew power wheelchair was:

� As light as possible, hopefully lessthan 100kg.

� As low to the ground as possible,no ladder climbing just to sit down.

� As narrow as possible, I don’t livein modified housing.

� Sexy, lean and smart, the ‘Ferrari’element to reflect my personality.

These were not design features of myprevious chair – which I disliked sincethe day I got it. But unlike a bad

haircut where, you’re stuck with it forfour weeks, there’s four to five yearsbetween a good and bad powerwheelchair. Because my previouschair was high, heavy, obtrusive andjust plain ugly, I was determined toget this new one right.

Most state funded equipmentprogrammes rate ‘choice’ at thebottom of a long list and have, untilrecently, only offered a limited rangeof equipment. There is also the factthat there is limited research anddevelopment focusing on makingAssistive Technology with increasedfunctionality and style.

So while people with disabilities wait

to have their preferences understood,there are a few key principles toAssistive Technology selection andprescription that can guide practice.

The things for me and most othersrelate to is the purpose of the device;Who? What? When? Where? Why?Following these principles, I got apiece of assistive rechnology that isstylish, meets my needs and that Ilike. This is more important than wethink because, as the saying goes“you are what you wear”. TheAssistive Technology people withdisabilities use should reflect theirpersonality and assist in their social,economic and communityparticipation.

It’s also important to reiterate that“one size does not fit all”. Eachindividual has different requirements,its important they have they’re givenas many choices as possible.

� Fran Vicary is an advocate for therights of people with disability. She isformer CEO of the QueenslandDisability Network. She is currentlydirector of assistive technology,community living and learning forYooralla, in Australia.

Fran Vicray

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Beagle Orthopaedic has been around for just a few short years - but has already established itself asone of the go-to suppliers in the industry. It’s commitment to the UK manufacturing industry has seenit move to a larger facility earlier this year, and it already has plans to expand. Nicola Hyde reports.

LEN Lloyd was a clinician who hasworked in the industry for over 30years – but after building up thesuccessful company Medistox (whichwas sold to Ossur) it looked likeretirement was on the cards.

But six years ago, Len decided tomake a return to the industry as MDand owner of Beagle Orthopaedic – acompany that was set up todeliberately bridge the gap in whathe calls the UK manufacturingexodus.

Len is a campaigner – not just for hisindustry but for people. He wants tosecure British jobs – and that is whyhe made a brave decision to open aUK company which manufacturedeverything from a home base in theUK.

Beagle Orthopaedic set up in 2007and issued a rallying call for cliniciansto ‘buy British.’ Now, it has a newmanufacturing base in Blackburn –which has seen the factory double insize - with plans for a furtherextension next year.

Len said: “I wanted a company thatwasn’t just about innovation but was

known for a personal service too.

“Most of our sales managers areclinically trained, so that when theyare talking to customers theyunderstand what requests are beingmade and not just selling to them.

“Our biggest strength is, because wemanufacture it here, we can amendproducts to suit the customer. If theywant a product changing slightly wecan change it – we make it here andcan make any changes a customerneeds.”

Another departure for the companyis the way it ships items – they sendready–assembled products straight tothe clinician, so there’s no delay in

waiting for the items to go throughprocurement, or having to wait tofind time to assemble it.

“We know a patient might have hadto have a four-hour journey to get totheir clinician – the more we can doto help the NHS speed up thattreatment process and get it right

first time for them, the better.”

Len added: “That’s our USP I think –whether it be 20 items or 2,000items, we operate a just in timemanufacturing process so orders andstock can be accommodated as perindividual customer requests, we canreally tailor things to the consumerand what they want.

“Beagle Orthopaedic’s ethos in highstandards and personal service runsall the way through the work force –the flexibility in our production issomething that we are immenselyproud of, each operative isextensively trained in the fabricationof all our products which allows us tomanage the flow of orders easily togive the customer the level of servicethey have come to expect fromBeagle.“

The company has also announcedexpansion in its research anddevelopment programme.

It has already gained acclaim for thedevelopment of the Clasby HumeralBrace and the Bohler walker andaims to introduce two new productsa year to the market.

Company reveals expansion planafter move to larger premises

Len Lloyd

“Beagle Orthopaedic’sethos in high standardsand personal service runsall the way through thework force ...”

A STUDENT has won a prestigiousaward after he designed anadjustable transtibial socket thatincorporates slits and a lanyard cordsystem.

Gary Lee won the ‘Work BasedProject of the Year’ award in aceremony held at the House ofCommons for London South BankUniversity (LSBU) students.

Gary, who has worked for RSLSteeperfor over 17 years, enrolled at LSBUafter being offered the opportunityto study part-time for a FoundationDegree in Clinical Technology –hoping to further his career in theprosthetics and orthotics sector bystudying more about the mechanics,materials, clinical rehabilitation andmanufacturing and design.

For his final year project, Gary lookedat the issue of socket fit and socketcomfort, after being inspired by alecture delivered by double amputeeSam Gallop CBE.

Gary said: “Comfort was quicklyidentified as being of paramountimportance, further substantiated byMr Gallop’s speech, and so I decidedto address the matter in my workbased project.

“The socket aims to improve quality

of life by aiding mobility, comfort andactivity and will hopefully make a realdifference to the needs of the serviceuser.

“It came as a real surprise to learn I’dwon the award and I’m hoping toput my experiences at LSBU to gooduse within the industry.”

Mark Davies, rehabilitation servicesdirector for RSLSteeper, said: “Gary isthe first RSLSteeper prosthetictechnician to attend LSBU and we’redelighted he has graduated withflying colours.

“The course has inspired his creativityand he is already focusing on anumber of key projects he hasdevised that will enhance our servicesand patient care at the Harold WoodLong Term Conditions Centre. We areall very proud of his achievement.”

Student Gary’s socket wins prestigious award

Sam Gallop CBE presents Gary Lee with his award.

“It came as a real surprise tolearn I’d won the award andI’m hoping to put myexperiences at LSBU to gooduse within the industry.”

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By Nicola Hyde

AN ONLINE spoof of the iconic Levi’sLaundrette advert has been launchedby Scope – using one of its charityshops and a disabled model as itsstar.

The advert, based on the 1985original, shows model Jack Eyersstripping to his boxers in a Scopecharity shop, before donating hisclothes to its stunned volunteers andstaff.

The ad has been released onlineahead of Scope’s Great Donatesummer stock appeal and Jack willalso appear on posters for the appealin Scope’s 230 high-street charityshops.

Scope said it hopes that the use of a

disabled model will challengeattitudes to disability.

The film follows Scope’s recent EndThe Awkward ads, featuringcomedian Alex Brooker, which havebeen viewed more than a milliontimes. Model, actor and personaltrainer Jack, 25, was born with a rarecondition that meant that his rightleg didn’t grow, and according toJack was effectively a ‘dead weight’.He decided to have it amputated atthe age of 16.

He has previously appeared in advertsfor Barclays, and modelled forboohoo.com. Jack also performed atthe opening ceremony of the LondonParalympic Games, swinging on arope 35 metres above the stadium.

He said: “I really hope that the filmencourages people to get behindScope’s Great Donate appeal. Scopeshops really need your support.

“It was great to be picked to frontthis campaign. We need moredisabled people included inadvertising campaigns, and to bemore visible in all walks of public life,if attitudes towards disability aregoing to change for the better.”

On average, each bag of donatedgoods helps Scope raise about £20.Funds raised by the shops go towardsrunning its national helpline fordisabled people and their families inneed of information and support,and community-based support forparents who have found out theirchild is disabled.

Charity recreates inconic ad for appealModel, actor and personal trainer Jack Eyers stars in the online spoof advert for Scope’s Great Donate summer stock appeal.

A RANGE of hands-free roboticexoskeletons for wheelchairusers has been launched to theUK market.

Rex Bionics launched its productsat the Neurological RehabilitationExpo 2014, the UK’s largestshow for medical professionalsworking in the rehabilitation ofneurological conditions.

CEO Jeremy Curnock Cook said:“REX is now gaining a vastamount of publicity driven bydemand and interest in theimportant technology.

“This was a great opportunityfor us to demonstrate thebenefits of REX first-hand tointernational experts in the field,and to introduce the members ofour new UK sales force.”

Following its successful IPO andAdmission to AIM in early May,Rex Bionics has recentlycompleted the recruitment of anexperienced team of salesprofessionals to lead the UKlaunch of REX Rehab, targeted atspinal cord injury rehabilitationcentres.

Exoskeletonslaunched toUK market

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sponsors kids

WE are excited to announce thatTinyTrax is currently available for freeshort loans to schools and centres.

As well as being fully charity-fundedfor families, it has never been easierto try this exciting new funpowerchair.

Designed for children aged 2 to 12years old (up to 40kg) the child-friendly design helps them feel likethey are in a fun car rather than awheelchair.

It has lights, and over 50 colours tochoose from.

TinyTrax can easily whizz around ongrass and gentle slopes. Full posturalsupport and memory foam seatingensures the child is seated incomplete comfort including thoracics,pommels, tilt-in-space and seatheight adjust.

TinyTrax is the lightest powerchair forthis age range at only 40kg. It can belifted into a car by two adults orseparated into manageable parts forone person.

This gives parents freedom as theydon’t have to taxi their child around

in a specialist vehicle.

Their child can travel independentlywith family or friends.

The compact ‘anti-collision’ wedge-shaped design of TinyTrax means itcan avoid hitting walls, other peopleand objects that other bigger chairswould hit.

www.tinytrax.com

info@tinytrax.com

Tel: 07812 001548 or 01225 425888

TinyTrax is availablefor free short loans

IMAGINE a wheelchair that has theability to move easily within itsenvironment; where the wheels arein the perfect spot so that youngpeople can use all of their strengthand leverage to their advantage.

Imagine...a wheelchair that has theability to change and grow long withthe person who is using it; yet it isextremely light, simple to use andeasy to transport. You don't have toimagine. It's a reality.

Little Wave

Little Wave's in-frame expansionallows the chair to grow in width byusing frame Xpanders that maintainthe frames structural integrity farbetter than bolt-on cross bars.

You don't add it until you need it soit is not in the way and it will not addany extra weight to the chair.

The Little Wave is available from LeckeyMobility see more at www.leckey.com

Chair makes dreams a reality

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A YOUNGSTER has been fitted withher first pair of ‘realistic’ legs thanksto Dorset Orthopaedic.

Charlotte Nott, 6, is the first girl tobe fitted with the Easyfit Junior,tailored especially for children.

It is based on the original award-winning Dorset-Easyfit® siliconecosmesis and is designed to be themost cost-effective and naturallooking cosmesis available on themarket.

Charlotte’s mother, Jenny Danielssaid: “Charlotte is growing up, andalthough she has had various legs inthe past such as her pink sparkly legsand her running blades, she wasbeginning to wish for a more realistic

appearance.”

Charlotte contracted Meningitis andSepticaemia in December 2010 whenshe was just two and spent weeksbattling to survive.

In order to save her life, doctorsamputated all four of her limbsbelow the joints.

Charlotte’s prosthetist David Hill said:“We have recently developed a new‘off the shelf’ cosmeses for childrencalled the ‘Easyfit Junior’.

“Charlotte has been visiting us sincethe age of three and although sheloves her everyday legs, which havebeen uncovered to date, shementioned the possibility of havingsome legs that looked real.”

Charlotte is fitted with herfirst pair of ‘realisitic‘ legs

Charlotte Nott is the first girl to be fitted with the Easyfit Junior.

A NEW charity has been set up tooffer guidance to families on mobilityoptions for their child.

Little Gems Children’s MobilityCharity has been set up in responseto families saying they are notgetting the full picture regardingtheir child’s mobility options.

The primary aims are to provideinformation on products; provideaccess to mobility products on freeloan; and to improve productsthrough a system of reviewing andfeedback to manufacturers.

A spokesman said: “The first aim ofproviding unbiased information tohelp families will be outward looking.This means that Little Gems willactively approach all manufacturersso that they can feature theirproducts on the site for free.

“There will also be information oncharities that can help fund solutions;and exhibitions/shows where they

can see and try products.

“The second aim is to help familiestry out powerchairs, and as fundsallow, provide a mobility solution onfree loan while they seek funding fortheir permanent chair.

“Unfortunately there are somefamilies that end up with aninappropriate powerchair solution,that may have taken many months tofundraise for.

“By giving families the option oftrying all the available chairs, and forlonger periods, this is far less likely tohappen.”

The charity is recruiting volunteersand wants to hear from anyone inthe industry who may be interestedin learning more. Emailinfo@littlegems.org.uk

Charity to offer mobilityguidance to families

A HOSPITAL in Leeds has becomeone of just five national centresauthorised to carry out a highlyspecialised operation to help improvethe walking ability of certain childrenwith cerebral palsy.

NHS England have approved LeedsTeaching Hospitals and consultantnuerosurgeon John Goodden, will beperforming the procedures (calledSelective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) atthe LGI.

Leeds is one of very few specialistcentres in the UK with the medicalexpertise to undertake the procedure.But NHS funding has been a majorhurdle, with some patients having toraise tens of thousands of pounds totravel to the United States to havethe operation performed privately.

Mr Goodden said: “This is a hugely

important change.This will helpchange the lives of many children inthe North of England becausefamilies will have access to SDRwithout having to raise fundsprivately.

“We need to give these childrenevery opportunity to fulfil theirpotential, and the freedom ofwalking and independent mobility isone of the most important gifts anychild can have and has a hugeimpact on their ability to play, learnand enjoy their life more. It is atremendous accolade for the Leedsteam to receive this vote ofconfidence.”

Approval for the surgery in Leeds isthe culmination of years of planningand preparation for Mr Goodden,who travelled to St Louis in the US tostudy the SDR technique.

Hospital carries out operation

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Richard Nieveen, prosthetist and owner of ProActive Prosthetics, discusses paediatric prostheticdevelopments.

WE have been invited by Össur tocontribute to this article andcomment on how lower limbprosthetics can help children withdisabilities remain active and enjoysport

The two specific questions put to uswere:

� Do you think that the prostheticsavailable to children has beenadequate in the past?

� Why do you think an improvementin child prosthetics has come about?

We have witnessed Prostheticsdeveloping immensely in the pastdecade. These developments tend tohappen initially for the adult amputeepopulation, with a transmissionthrough to the child amputeepopulation over time.

With regard to the first question, upuntil the advent of the newgeneration of carbon fibre energystoring feet for children, the onlyoption would have been to fit a Solidankle cushion heel (SACH) type foot,these mimicked the foot anklemotion but provided little or noenergy return.

It is arguable that as children aregenerally very active and engage inregular higher impact activities andhave the most to gain from carbonfeet, but have been the last tobenefit from new technology.

Another important consideration isthe way that children’s prostheses, inthe absence of any alternative, havetraditionally been made. In usingconventional methods of Exo-skeletalconstruction, the result is anunnatural hard outer cosmesis whichin some cases looks realistic butalways has an unrealistic feel and aprosthesis that doesn’t offer an easyadjustment of length or alignment.

Sometimes there is no alternative toa conventional prosthesis for aparticularly complex problem.However, the ability “today” toproduce modular prostheses forchildren allows much easiermaintenance, socket change oradjustment to length and alignmentas well as a softer more aesthetic

cosmesis; however these modularsystems seem not to be as widelyused as might be imagined.

If we are to consider children withthe loss of a limb above the level ofthe knee, the provision of knee jointsstill remains a difficult area. There isnow such a significant gap betweenchild’s components and the adultsystems; therefore this as an area stillneeds significant investment.

In considering the second pointabout improvement in children’sprostheses.

Why do you think an improvement inchild prosthetics has come about?

As an industry prosthetics is materialsled when it comes to design; theavailability today of lightweightalloys, silicon and carbon compositespresent us with the option of utilisinga modular pyramid system, andaccess to a range of feet fromtraditional SACH to carbon fibreenergy storing designs.

The development in sockets, use ofsilicone interfaces provides a muchimproved durable stump socketenvironment and enhancedsuspension provides more confidence

and offers greater range of activitiesfor children to enjoy.

With respect to a very recent footdesign the “Variflex Junior”, this hasprovided us with a much morecompliant foot ankle complex with aconsequent improvement in gait andmore versatile everyday prosthesis.

With respect to improvements incosmesis, the use today of siliconecan provide a much improvedappearance along with the benefit ofbeing easier to clean and beingimpermeable to water; thereforethese covers are a much morepractical solution for children.

The 2012 Paralympics created anincreased awareness of the benefitsof sport within the disabledpopulation. Since the 2012Paralympics we have fitted a numberchildren with Flex Run Junior bladesas dedicated fitness prosthesis.

If we consider the benefits; in beingable to move more efficiently, theJunior Flex Run has allowed them toengage more actively in schoolgames and what is also interesting isthey appear more confident inexpressing what they are able to do.

Lower limb prosthetics can helpkids with disabilities enjoy sport

A MEDICAL diagnostic system madeits first appearance at the World Cupto test the knees and ankles of theplayers.

Argentina’s team doctor Dr AlejandroRolon worked with Esaote to developa portable MRI system which couldoffer ultrasound scanning of injuries‘on-pitch’ if required.

Dr Rolon said: “On the pitch I amable to diagnose not only themuscolotendinous pathologies butalso many other bone and joint

related injuries. Whilst ultrasound isthe main tool, the O-Scan MRI backat the camp will confirm thediagnosis and help me optimizetreatment.

“This is definitely the trend in elitesport and the future of sportsmedicine. Being able to instantly andcorrectly identify and classify thelesion will speed up the athletes’recovery time. The best opportunityfor intervention, treatment andrehabilitation is right after the injury.”

System makes World Cup debutThe portable MRI system used to test players’ ankles and knees.

A charity is challenging people to do amile in style and help to raise money bycompeting in a ‘manic marafun.’LimbPower is running the event at StokeMandeville Stadium and participants cantake part in a mile of the 26 milechallenge. They can choose from a varietyof wacky ways in which to complete it -whether it be running, walkingbackwards, cycling, scooting, hula-hooping, pushing a day chair or evendoing the wheelbarrow with a friend. TheManic Marafun will be held on August 23and is open to everyone.

A NEW product from a UK companyhas been offered to the market tobring indoor mobility to people withparalysis.

Anatomical Concepts UK Ltd haslaunched the TEK RMD (RoboticMobilisation Device) – a newstanding and mobility concept thatbrings practical, healthy standing andconvenient indoor mobility to personswith paralysis and limited mobility.

A spokesman said: “It's not awheelchair and it's not a poweredstanding frame but it achieves thesame things in an elegant andpractical way.

“People with paralysis need to standmore – and when they want to –ideally without assistance – andcontinue to stand to perform somefunctions with hands free.

“Robotics has brought a little bit ofexcitement to rehabilitation recently.The TEK Robotic Mobility Devicedelivers real, practical benefits todayat a down-to-earth price.”

Manufactured by MATIA Robotics,the product looks like a consumerdevice, takes up less space then awheelchair, lets the user sit and standat will and moves easily (and quicklyenough) through an indoor space.

Product brings mobilityto people with paralysis

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sponsors podiatry

A FOOT care coordinator for charityAge UK has won the prestigiousCosyfeet Podiatry Award.

Jay Wasilewski plans to use her£1,000 award to set up an initiativeto provide free training on basic foothealth to family, friends, volunteersand professionals involved in care forthe elderly. Entitled Footcareunited,the initiative will benefit those whoare no longer able to care for theirown feet, and help prevent themdeveloping serious foot healthproblems.

She said: “Many podiatrists seeelderly patients who have developedserious foot problems unnecessarily.

“Often, problems could have beenavoided if carers had the knowledgeand confidence to attend to basicfoot health needs. This initiative setsout to provide just that.”

Jay, who works for Age UK as Foot

Care Co-ordinator for Chorley, WestLancashire and Sefton, is also a parttime Podiatry student at SalfordUniversity. She was selected from awide range of high calibre candidatesfor this year’s award.

“We’re deeply impressed by Jay’svision and believe she has theknowledge and experience to make avery real difference in this oftenneglected area of elderly care,” saysmanaging director Andrew Peirce.

Now in its ninth year, the CosyfeetPodiatry Award assists podiatrists andpodiatry students to develop theirprofessional knowledge and skillswhile benefitting others.

Cosyfeet was the first Britishcompany to make shoes for peoplewith swollen feet. More than 30years on they still offer the biggestrange of extra roomy shoes, socksand hosiery on the market.

Foot care coordinator Jaywins prestigious award

Jay Wasilewski

By Nicola Hyde

RESEARCHERS have found thatBritish feet are getting bigger andwider and both men and womenadmit to wearing incorrectly fittingshoes.

Research from the College ofPodiatry blames the problem on thegrowth in online shopping, nothaving shoes professionally fitted andknowingly buying the wrong sizebecause of fashion or if the shoes areon sale.

The research, which wascommissioned to mark foot healthawareness campaign Feet for Lifemonth, showed that the averageshoe size in the UK has increased byaround two sizes since the 1970s.

Today the average male wears a sizeten compared to a size eight shoe 40years ago; and the average femalewears a size six versus a size four inthe seventies.

Over a quarter of men and 41 percent of women say their feet havechanged size as an adult, with bothreporting they have got bigger andwider. 35 per cent of women reporttheir feet have got bigger and 68 percent say they have got wider.

The research also suggests thatpeople may not even know what sizeshoe they should be wearing, with17 per cent admitting to neverhaving had their feet measured –even as a child.

A further 62 per cent are not awarethat in addition to standard shoesizes which relate to the length ofthe shoe, you can also buy shoes indifferent width fittings.

Podiatrist Lorraine Jones, from TheCollege of Podiatry, said: “Feet aregetting bigger because as a nationwe are becoming taller and we’reincreasing in weight. Increasedweight gain places more pressure onthe feet and means ligaments andjoints need to work harder tomaintain the foot’s structure andkeep you mobile.

“Over time if someone is gainingweight the feet splay to try andaccommodate the increased pressure,which can cause pain, lead tomobility issues and increase your riskof developing osteoarthritis in thelower limb joints. Whatever yourshoe size, the most important thing isto wear a comfortable, well-fittingshoe.

“More retailers are introducing widerfitting shoe ranges so if you havewide feet try to opt for a shoe thatwill comfortably accommodate yourfoot without causing rubbing orblisters.”

The research also showed theaverage man owns nine pairs ofshoes and women typically have 17pairs. Nearly a third of men andwomen admit they keep andcontinue to wear shoes even thoughthey know they don’t fit.

British feet aregetting biggerand wider, newresearch finds

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WE at Beagle recently helped out apatient with “thoracic outletsyndrome”.

After spending many years lookingfor a solution, we have workedclosely both with the patient and theclinicians of Corbett hospital todevelop a brace to aid the patient (inher own words) to “get her lifeback”.

We designed a custom made glove

that works by strapping down thefingers and thumbs to form a fist.

This allowed the sport-loving patientto grip a racket again, something shehasn’t been able to do for sometime.

If you have any unusual needs or wouldlike something specific then please do nothesitate to give Customer Services a callon 01254 268788.

Custom made products

PLANS are underway for the BAPOConference 2015 which will return toThe Point at Lancashire CountyCricket Club.

The event (March 20 to 22) aims tobuild on the success of this year’sevent and will offer companies theopportunity to showcase theirproducts and services.

A spokesman said: “Our conferencecommittee are working hard tosecure speakers who will engage

with our audience to provide aninteresting and stimulatingexperience for all.

“As the premier event for those inboth the NHS and private practice,the conference is seen and regardedas the must have date in the diary.”

The poster competition will berunning again and the Speakeasy willreturn for students and newgraduates.

Conference plans underway

A NEW event in Scotland has beenlaunched by Disabled Living as anaddition to its successful Kidzportfolio.

The charity has run the events for 14year and has added a new, free eventthat will serve people from Cumbria,the Lake District, right up to theHighlands of Scotland.

Around 20 years ago, Disabled Livingwas part of the equipment serviceswhich organised successful children’sseating clinics.

A spokesman said: “As the clinicsgrew, it became very apparent thatdue to the nature of children’sequipment being so specialised andbespoke, the Disabled Living centresdidn’t have enough space to holdthis type of paediatric event – andmore importantly it was clearlyidentified that there was a generallack of information and resourceswhere disability equipment andservices for children and young adultswere concerned.”

It launched Kidz Up North, an eventspecifically focussed on equipment,products, and services to improve

independence and quality of life.

She added: “Following feedbackfrom visitors it very quickly becameapparent that there was anoverwhelming need for these eventsin other areas, with people travellingfrom all corners of the UK, Dublin,Jersey, Cornwall and the Orkneys tomention a few.”

In 2007 it took the event to Readingfor Kidz South, and in 2009 addedKidz in the Middle in Coventry.

She added: “For a number of yearswe have been asked by countlesspeople, both public and professionalsif we can bring the Kidz events toScotland.

“This event has taken two years toresearch, plan and develop.

“With over 95 exhibitors this eventwill be a one stop shop, offering themost up to date advice andinformation on equipment, products,funding, services and much, muchmore.”

The event will be held on September11 at Royal Highland ExhibitionCentre, Edinburgh.

Charity launchesevent in Scotland

RELIEF Orthotics is now able to offercomplete custom made spinalorthoses from images producedthrough the free Captevia App,available for iPad, iPod Touch oriPhone through the App store.

Using the Captevia App the orthotistcan easily and quickly capture data,images and sizes using a simplewizard to guide you through thestages.

Once completed and the images areemailed to the company, an onlineNetview session can be activated,connecting you with their skilledtechnicians where you are able to

supervise and control any correctionwhich can include, for example,overlaying a spinal Xray on the imageto establish the exact correction forscoliosis corrective bracing.

Additionally the online sessionenables the orthotist to create exacttrim lines using Rodin4D software,which is then cut exactly using theirCAD/CAM process.

With the use of this technology itenables all orthotists to becomeinvolved and take advantage of thelatest technologies without the needfor expensive scanning equipment.

Custom made spinal orthosesavailable through free App

HUNDREDS of healthcare expertswere invited to a royal reception atBuckingham Palace to celebraterecent advancements intechnology.

Representatives from prostheticmanufacturer RSLSteeper joinedguests from technology firms,start-ups and universities aroundthe country, who spent theevening networking with membersof the royal family, including theQueen, the Duke of Edinburgh, theDuke of Cambridge and the Dukeof York.

RSLSteeper’s invite came as a resultof the global success achieved bytheir bebionic myo-electric hand –a state-of-the-art prosthetic bornout of a project funded by theTechnology Strategy Board (TSB).

Having entered the TSB’s HighValue Manufacturing competitionback in 2009, RSLSteeper wereawarded £377K to head up a team

charged with developing the mostlife-like prosthetic hand on themarket.

From the initial prototype, theLeeds-based company went on tocreate two more versions of thebebionic, of which the third modelhas become a worldwidephenomenon – deemedrevolutionary by the technologyindustry and even featuring on thisyear’s Super Bowl advert.

RSLSteeper’s technical director TedVarley attended the event on thecompany’s behalf.

He said: “The technology industryis advancing at an extraordinaryrate and it’s fantastic that eventssuch as this recognise the level ofinnovation taking place within theUK. We’re delighted to have beeninvited to take part in what was anextremely interesting and inspiringevent.”

Ted Varley with Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II at the UK Technologyreception at Buckingham Palace.

Royal reception forhealthcare experts

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