‘Test track’ garden plan for amputees boosted by Lottery

The Step Up! Group, which provides support to people in the community who have lost a limb, plan to transform the area behind the centre at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital into a place for amputees to practise using their new prosthetic limbs on different types of terrain.

Led by Brian Hilliard, they have raised £13,000 so far but another £3,500 is needed before the garden transformation can begin.

Scott Richardson, from Dunstable, who has been attending the centre for 11 years, said: “The garden will allow patients to practise using their new limbs on different types of terrain.

“It’s really difficult to get used to moving up and down slopes, or on loose stones for example, and at the moment we only have indoor space, so this will really help.”

Andrew Mann, from Houghton Regis, said: “I found it relatively easy to come to terms with my legs but even so I was here every week building up my stamina and learning to walk again. It’s a good support group and the garden will make a big difference.”

There are 680 patients on record at the centre currently, with an average of 90 new patients each year.

The centre will celebrate its 21st anniversary in March and members are hoping that the garden will be finished in time to coincide with this.

Mr Hilliard said: “We would be very appreciative if this latest project, that will help amputees to regain their place in society, could benefit from any donations we receive from members of the public.

> If you would like to donate to the garden project, cheques can be made to Step Up and sent to Valerie Galbraith, centre manager, Limb Fitting Centre, Lewsey Road, Luton.