A MOTHER from Minchinhampton who campaigned tirelessly to allow her disabled son to be allowed a prosthetic blade leg is hoping to encourage other children to follow their dreams.
Carly Bauert’s nine-year-old son Oliver was one of the first children in the UK to be given a blade by the NHS back in 2013.
Oliver was born with a rare birth disorder called Proximal Fenoral Focal Deficiency, meaning he has half a leg and grew up using a standard prosthetic limb.
But all this changed in 2012 when the energetic young sportsman was inspired by the heroics of the British Paralympian team in London.
“This was a real turning point for Oliver,” said Carly. “He saw that there were no restrictions and he said that he needed a blade.
“What followed was several months of being turned down by our NHS Centre, relentless campaigning and pleading letters.
“He was six years old when he finally got his first blade. I cannot begin to tell you the difference in every part of his life.
“Not only did it enable him to run around with his friends far more easily he actually became far more confident in every area.
“And the psychological impact on a child cannot be disregarded. When a child cannot run, jump and dance as most children do it can have severe impact.
“Today, Oliver is a confident and strong boy who takes part in most activities and this summer tried abseiling, canoeing and recently asked if there was any chance he could join the school cross country club.”
Oliver who recently joined Year 5 at Minchinhampton School has also played the school football team and rugby teams and has even started scootering at Rush Skate Park in Brimscombe.
After seeing the transformation in her son, Carly now wants to help other children get the opportunity to have a blade.
She has joined LimbPower, a national charity for adults and children, which supported her family during her campaign.
In her new role as Children's Sports Prosthsis Co-ordinator, Carly will be helping the organisation with a huge new funding project.
Last year the government set up a fund of £1.5 million pounds would to fund activity prosthesis and set up research into activity limbs and new innovations for children.
She will be working in co-operation with Limbpower and the Department of Health to setup a new fund for children so they can get blades just like Oliver’s and encourage families to apply.
Previously children would have to pay up to £5000 for a specially designed limb. Now they will be able to apply for one on the NHS.
Carly added: “Children need to get access to this fund as quickly and seamlessly as possible, and while recognised that not every child will go on to be an international para-athlete, every child surely should have the opportunity to participate in running, jumping and anything else they feel ready to enjoy.
“The fact is that having his blade has given Oliver confidence to try anything, he doesn't consider himself disabled.
“Recently a school friend asked him what it was like to wear a Prosthetic leg and he replied that he didn't know what it was like not to wear one.
“If offering activity blades to more children sees more Prosthetic wearing children feeling that way, it can only be positive.”
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