Justin Tomlinson signs pledge to back greater access to prosthetics for disabled people to enable them to lead more independent and active lives.
Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, today attended an exhibition at the Palace of Westminster to show his support in promoting access to prosthetics for disabled people. The event showcased advanced prosthetic technologies that would enable amputees to lead more independent and active lives. It was attended by over 30 parliamentarians, the Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey, and supported by a number of amputees including British Paralympian Louise Hunt.
The exhibition by Ottobock, a world-leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility, showcased a number of leading-edge prosthetics and disability technologies, including the C-Leg and Genium micro-processor knees, a running blade and a tennis wheelchair. Justin Tomlinson also met with personal trainer Gemma Trotter, the first girl in the UK to have a pin inserted into her leg; and Keira Roche, who will be taking part in the 2013 London Marathon on a C-Leg.
In addition to viewing demonstrations on advanced prosthetic technology for amputees, Justin Tomlinson was invited to pledge support for Ottobock's Access to Prosthetics campaign. The campaign's objective is to promote the availability of appropriate and advanced technology to military and civilian amputees. The campaign focuses on ensuring that above the knee amputees have access, where appropriate to microprocessor knees, also known as 'bionic legs'.
Paralympian and Swindon resident Louise Hunt said "I was keen to show my support for these issues and to help to ensure that above the knee amputees have access, where appropriate, to microprocessor knees so that they are able to achieve everything they possibly can. I want all disabled people to be able to follow their dreams. I believe that that would be a worthy legacy of last summer's inspiring Paralympic Games."
Philip Yates, Managing Director at Ottobock UK said, "The Ministry of Defence's recent announcement to provide injured military personnel with the most up-to-date prosthetic limbs was very welcome, but there are many more individuals across the UK who would benefit from access to that technology. Providing disabled people across the country with access to suitable prosthetics is vital in helping to maintain and restore their mobility and independence."
For more information on Ottobock's range of innovative solutions that restore mobility please visit www.ottobock.co.uk or follow @ottobockuk.
Justin chats with Louise
