Friendship, Support and New Beginnings in Kent
My name is Aimee and I am the Kent ambassador volunteering for Steel Bones my mission is to set up monthly meet ups and regular days out in this county throughout the year for all amputees and families . I’m striving to create a local community that can hopefully build friendships and networks.
On the 4th July this was the start of the adventure, we held our first day out in Kent. The location was Wingham Wildlife Park accessible for all ,inclusive and suitable for all ages. It was a beautiful day the sun was shining, Conversations were flowing and experiences were being exchanged. I felt proud to be part of something new, spend time with my family and meet other amputees. We split up for the morning in our own groups and then met up together at lunchtime for refreshments and a chat. It was a rather enjoyable day.
Due to attending the day out in Kent , I had the chance to meet the lovely CEO of steel bones and through our conversation was given an opportunity to attend a launch party at the Kent and Medway prosthetic centre in Maidstone. This happened on the 7th July I attended representing on behalf of the steel bones charity and it was a informative and interesting event. At the launch party of the centre there were leading experts in the prosthetic field, a number of amputee charities ,directors of steeper, patients and some famous guests. We were given a tour of the facilities and rooms in small groups and then there was delightful spread of finger foods and refreshments to follow.
I then had the chance to speak to the directors of steeper and management, it was an insightful conversation, I also got to meet patients of the prosthetic centre and being a patient myself, I could really relate to the issues , experiences and stories that were shared. It then followed onto a presentation by the company ,the history of steeper and what care and planning had been set out for patients attending the clinic. Furthermore I had the opportunity to meet the lord mackinlay himself and spoke to him regarding setting up amputee meet ups In kent. Towards the end of the event it was finished with a ribbon cutting ceremony outside and a toast to the new centre.
