Press release
03 December 2021
“Having access to a prosthetic can be life-changing for young people with limb differences, aiding independence and empowering them to live life to the full” (Alex Lewis)
A charitable initiative that provides free prosthetic arms for UK children has proven so successful it is being extended to all those under the age of 18 - with hundreds of young people set to benefit.
Project Limitless was launched in October 2020 by The Douglas Bader Foundation in association with The Alex Lewis Trust, to help children with limb differences who may otherwise have difficulty accessing prosthetics.
Thanks to the public's generosity, every day of this year one child with upper limb difference has received support through Project Limitless, with a growing-waiting list.
With a wish to help even more young people and a clear need existing amongst older age groups, the project has now been extended to all those under the age of 18.
Koalaa has been identified as the service provider of the prosthetics to have the highest impact from the funds raised. Each young person receives one of the company’s unique soft prosthetics, which are suitable even for very young babies. Due to Koalaa’s virtual clinic model, the prosthetics can be ordered remotely and shipped directly to a child’s home in a matter of weeks.
The design sees wearers putting on a lightweight sleeve that can be fitted with different tool attachments, depending on the activity the young person wishes to do. Alongside this, wearers become part of the Koalaa Community and are provided with a ‘limb buddy’, who supports them every step of the way.
Parents of the children receiving prosthetics through Project Limitless to date have been quick to show their gratitude on social media, sharing photos and videos of them in use for everything from bike riding to skipping and kayaking, playing the guitar and drums, to drawing and using cutlery independently.
The Douglas Bader Foundation has been spearheading the fundraising efforts, along with quadruple amputee and adventurer, Alex Lewis. The project also has the support of leading limb difference charities including Reach, LimbBo Foundation and Limb Power.
David Bickers, CEO, The Douglas Bader Foundation, commented: “We’ve been blown away by the support that Project Limitless continues to receive, and we’re absolutely thrilled to now be able to open it up to young people of all ages. It’s fantastic to hear the feedback from families and all the fun things the children are getting up to with their new prosthetics!”
Alex Lewis said: “Having access to a prosthetic can be life-changing for young people with limb differences, aiding independence and empowering them to live life to the full. Prosthetics can aid inclusion and independence, while supporting play, fun, exploration and everything else a growing child may wish to do! I’m so proud to be involved with Project Limitless and to see it opening up new opportunities for every more young people across the UK.”
If you would like to support Project Limitless and help enhance the life of a child with limb difference, please click here to donate. You can also donate £5 by texting the word PLAY05 to 70970.
If you’re based in the UK and have a child with an upper limb difference, then you can register for support via Project Limitless here.
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Photo caption: Joanie and Oliver with the Koalaa prosthetics they have been provided through #ProjectLimitless