These Boots are made for Walking

This week Forfar Rotarians from the International Committee spent time sorting out shoes which have been donated for our 500 Miles Appeal. We have been asked why the appeal is for pairs of shoes when it is needed for amputees. The simple answer is that a pair means that the artificial limb is fitted as well, giving a better stance and walking ability. This, as well as even when patients may have a double amputation or deformity that requires the use of life changing artificial limbs.

From the collection points in the town, the response has been great with praise from the public for the efforts of Rotarians by raising awareness of this much needed aid. It seems so simple, shoes lie in cupboards, wardrobes etc. and never see the light of day and yet can bring so much to the lives of those in Malawi and Zambia

International convenor Tim Hale has reported that to date we have over 250 pairs of shoes, ladies gents and childrens of all shapes and sizes and will keep collecting until the end of October so in his words “keep them coming”.

The background to the 500 Miles Charity

Olivia Giles was a partner in the commercial property department of a large law firm when she contracted the blood poisoning form of meningitis in February 2002, which led to the amputation of her hands and feet.

500 miles is now run solely by Olivia who has done an incredible job in getting the charity going and providing prosthetic treatment for countless children and adults in Malawi and Zambia.

Since then she has worked to raise awareness of meningitis and has raised close to £500,000 for the meningitis cause.

The appeal for shoes is not limited to adults but to children such as the plight of Collings Mazizi, he will need many pairs of shoes in his life as he grows up.

Collings Mazizi is 6 years old. He had suffered severe burns on his legs as a result of falling into a ditch where there were hot remains of a fire.  His feet were so badly burned that he had to have a through ankle amputation on one side and a partial foot amputation on the other.  These are his first prosthetic legs.  He is just starting to practise using them as the skin is still very sensitive to pressure and he cannot tolerate wearing them for more than a short period.  We hope that he will build up a tolerance, be admitted to school and go on to lead a normal life instead of being left on the scrap heap because he couldn’t walk.