The announcement is the next stage of a government fund
that has supported 220 disabled children since its
launch in March 2016. It means more children who have
suffered limb loss or who were born with a limb
deficiency will benefit from prosthetics such as
running blades. The fund will also support research and
innovation to improve prosthetic technology.
Minister of State for Care, , said:
Sport and activity are so important to any child’s
health, wellbeing and confidence, and today’s
announcement should help many more disabled children
to fulfil their sporting ambitions.
Hundreds have already benefited from the fund, and
this additional investment will now help us to open
up even more possibilities for children with limb
loss, and hopefully ignite in them a lifelong passion
for sport.
Kiera Roche, chief executive of LimbPower, the national
disability sports organisation for people with limb
impairments, said:
LimbPower is delighted with the incredible news that
the Department of Health and Social Care will
continue the fund for a further 2 years.
The impact this has had on the 220 children who have
so far received their activity limbs is immeasurable.
Children just want to be able to join in and feel
included, especially at school and in the community,
and this means playing and taking part in P.E. and
games.
The overriding messages we have received from
children and parents is that they can be included,
join in, run and jump just like their friends. They
can be children and not patients.
