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| Press Releases | Colin runs Flora London Marathon for third year running since amputation | |
Press Release - 20 March
Colin Edwards, from Devon, is running the Flora London marathon on 22 April for the third consecutive year in aid of STEPS, the national charity for children with lower limb conditions.
Colin lost his leg after a motorcycle accident nearly 30 years ago and now wears a prosthetic leg. Since then he has taken on several monstrous challenges all in the name of charity, including trekking to the top of the world's highest volcano, Mt. Cotopaxi, and attempting to climb Mt. Everest.
Over the years Colin has raised a vast amount of money for STEPS and this year will be no different. Over the last three years Colin has raised close to £3,000 for the charity.
Colin commented:
"The funds could not go to a more worthwhile cause and STEPS is a charity very close to my heart.
"I want to inspire others with disabilities to take on challenges that they otherwise thought not possible."
"Running has always been a huge passion of mine and this year I am aiming to beat last year's time."
Sue Banton, founder and director of STEPS commented:
"It is incredible what Colin has achieved for STEPS over the years and the amount of money he has raised is phenomenal. We are grateful to Colin for all his support and we wish him the very best of luck in this year's marathon."
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| Local woman runs marathon for her cousin killed in inflatable art structure tragedy | |
PRESS RELEASE - 15 MARCH
Natalie Yates-Bolton from Chadderton, Oldham is planning to run the Lochaber marathon on 22 April at Fort William, Scotland for her cousin Claire Furmedge who was killed last summer.
Claire was killed on 23 July 2006 when the inflatable structure, which she was inside with her two children, broke free from its moorings. She was a dedicated supporter of national charity STEPS and had been helping to raise funds for the charity for more than 7 years. She came in contact with STEPS when her daughter, now 8 years old, was diagnosed with a hip condition as a baby.
Following her death, STEPS has recently launched a new equipment fund - the Claire Furmedge Equipment Fund - in her memory.
Says Natalie Yates-Bolton:
"I took up running to celebrate beating cancer for the second time. I am running this marathon to celebrate the life of my cousin Claire who believed that we should all 'live life to the fullest'.
"Claire and I spent a lot of our childhood together. I didn't get the opportunity to say goodbye and tell her how much fun, adventure and colour she added to my life. Running this marathon is my way of saying 'thank you'.
"Donating the money to the Claire Furmedge Fund will hopefully help other children have extra fun and adventure in their lives. I know Claire would have loved that."
Said Sue Banton, Director and founder of STEPS:
"We hope that this fund will improve the day to day life of children with lower limb conditions and their families. Natalie is helping us make that happen."
The fund will provide a small grant towards the cost of a piece of specialist equipment for a child with a lower limb condition up to a maximum of £115 total grant.
Families can apply from 1 April for these funds via an application form available from STEPS office in Lymm, Cheshire.
All funds raised are going to the Claire Furmedge Equipment Fund.
To support Natalie go to www.justgiving.com/natalieyb
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| LOCAL BUSINESS MAN HELPS RAISE OVER £86,000 FOR LOCAL CHILDREN'S CHARITY | |
PRESS RELEASE - 8 FEBRUARY
Nineteen adventurers, including three from Manchester, arrived home yesterday having battled their way to the summit of the world's highest active volcano, Mt. Cotopaxi. They climbed a staggering 5,897 m in support of STEPS, Manchester charity which campaigns for children with lower limb conditions and REACH which helps children with upper limb deficiencies. Today the money is still coming in, but between them they have raised over £86,000.
Lead expeditioner, Charles Murray, chairman of STEPS and Director of Regional Property Solutions Ltd in Manchester, said before the trip that he wanted to raise awareness of STEPS and the children they campaign for. He has personally raised over £20,500.
Mr Murray's own daughter, Georgina, was diagnosed with a hip problem when she was born and STEPS helped him and his family out with support and information.
Yesterday, Charles commented on his experience:
"All the way up I reminded myself why I was doing the climb. I thought of the time when Georgina was undergoing treatment - how brave and determined she was. It kept me going through what was undoubtedly one of the hardest things I have ever done."
Fourteen of the nineteen who started the expedition made it to the top. Charles spoke of what was his best moment:
"My highest point was seeing the joy on the faces of the team members who hadn't made it when they saw each successful climber arrive back safely. It wasn't about individual success but about the success of the team as a whole."
Sue Banton, director and founder of STEPS commented:
"It truly is amazing what Charles and the other participants have achieved both personally and in aid of STEPS. I can't express enough how much their contribution means to us and the children we support."
Charles said he thoroughly enjoyed his experience and added one final thought:
"I've achieved more than I ever expected to from this trip. If I have inspired just one other person to do something similar it will have been more than worth it. It truly is life changing."
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| LOCAL BUSINESS MAN LEADS A TEAM TO CONQUER A VOLCANO IN THE NAME OF CHARITY | | PRESS RELEASE - 4 JANUARY
A team of 18 adventurers, including 3 from Manchester, lead by Manchester business man Charles Murray, will set out to conquer the world's highest active volcano at the start of the New Year in support of STEPS, the charity which campaigns for children with lower limb conditions and REACH which helps children with upper limb deficiencies.
The team will arrive in the city of Quito in the Andes on 22 January 2007. They will then walk the "Avenue of Volcanoes" and climb 5,897 m to the top of the world's highest active volcano, the magical "Mt. Cotopaxi". The last stage is on a glacier and the team will therefore have to begin the climb around midnight when the ice is hard and easier to trek on.
Charles Murray, chairman and trustee for STEPS and Director of Regional Property Solutions Ltd in Manchester commented:
"I want to raise awareness of STEPS and the children we campaign for. This is a charity which is very close to my heart.
"My own daughter Georgina was diagnosed with a hip problem on her left hip when she was born in 1994 and back then STEPS was there with both support and information. My daughter has climbed many mountains in her life already - I think it is my turn now!"
Charles aims to raise £19,347 pounds for the charities, which is one pound for every foot climbed.
MEPC Birchwood Park has kindly donated £500 to the charity.
Says Jonathan Walsh, MD of MEPC Birchwood Park:
"We are delighted to support this very worthy Charity, and would like to wish Charles the very best of luck with his adventure."
Sue Banton, founder and director of STEPS, commented:
"This is a very exciting and demanding challenge. Charles has been a dedicated supporter over the years and this only highlights his dedication to our work and children with lower limb conditions.
Each of the other participants aims to raise £3,000.
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| New fund in honour of victim of inflatable art structure tragedy | |
PRESS RELEASE - 18 DECEMBER
National charity STEPS, which helps children with lower limb conditions, is to launch a new equipment fund in memory of mother of two Claire Furmedge who was killed in an inflatable art structure at a park in County Durham earlier this year.
Claire was killed on 23 July 2006 when the inflatable structure, which she was inside with her two children, broke free from its moorings. She was a dedicated supporter of STEPS and had been helping to raise funds for the charity for more than 7 years. She came in contact with STEPS when her daughter, now 8 years old, was diagnosed with a hip condition as a baby.
Says Claire's husband Gary Furmedge:
"When our daughter was diagnosed with a hip problem STEPS helped us with information and support during a very difficult and emotional time.
"I know Claire would have liked the idea of a fund which could help families like ours. She was so full of life and loved helping others. She would be honoured to have it named after her."
Says Sue Banton, director and founder of STEPS:
"We have the deepest sympathy for Gary and his two children. Claire was such a wonderful supporter of STEPS.
"We hope this fund will help carry on the generous spirit and memory of Claire and help many other families like hers and Gary's."
The Claire Furmedge Equipment Fund will provide a small grant to help towards the purchase of specialist equipment such as a car seat as well as useful information to parents caring for a child with a lower limb condition.
Families can apply for these funds via an application form available from STEPS office in Lymm, Cheshire. A panel will review each application. The panel will consist of a STEPS representative, the Finance Manager, a parent volunteer and someone with a caring or health profession background.
The fund will provide a small grant towards the cost of a piece of equipment up to a maximum of £115 total grant.
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| New insight into possible cause of club foot | |
PRESS RELEASE - 2 NOVEMBER
New insight into possible cause of club foot
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen have published breakthrough findings that shed light on the possible cause of clubfoot.
The scientists analysed more than 1,000 genetic samples which were provided by members of STEPS and families attending orthopaedic clinics in Scotland, Doncaster and London.
The researchers found a variation in a gene that processes folate in the body which may be part of the cause of clubfoot. They found that babies with the less common variation of the C677T variant in the gene called methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) are less likely to develop clubfoot.
The researchers stressed though that more research needs to be done to establish the best advice on folic acid supplementation for pregnant women who have a child or relative with clubfoot this is interesting.
For now, women should continue to take recommended levels of folic acid while planning a pregnancy or during the first three months of pregnancy.
Dr Miedzybrodzka who led the research project said:
"We are very excited about our findings although more research now needs to be done. Clubfoot is a common and distressing condition for children and their parents and up until now very little is known for sure about the causes of clubfoot.
"Thanks to the support of hundreds of families, the STEPS support group, orthopaedic surgeons and funding from SPARKS, we now have a key to further studies that could improve prevention and treatment of the condition in the future."
Sue Banton, director and founder of STEPS, said:
"We are delighted to have been able to support research that may lead to a reduction in the incidence of clubfoot.
"STEPS helps many families who contact us with this diagnosis. The prospect of being able to suggest action which may help future generations to avoid this condition is very exciting."
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| PRESS RELEASE - 24 OCTOBER | |
Helen Grindrod and Kelli-Ann Rushton from Basingstoke are calling for a change in the current qualifying rules for the "Blue Badge" parking scheme. They want to see temporary badges introduced. Both mothers have children with hip dysplasia ("clicky hips") and they struggle daily to get them safety in and out of their cars when parked.
Hampshire council has recently refused to qualify Helen and Kelli-Ann for the "Blue Badge" as they can't prove that their daughters who are both born with hip dysplasia - will not be immobile for three years. They now fear for the safety of their baby daughters when parking.
However, qualifying for a "Blue Badge" seems to be a bit of a post code lottery as a mother, Naomi, from Manchester recently got a Blue Badge for her daughter Molly.
The condition means that the baby girls will have to go through a hip operation and wear a hip cast for several months. The casts are both immobile and extremely wide. The mothers say there is an urgent need for more space when parking to get the babies in and out of the car safely.
Helen Grindrod's daughter, 20 months old Mia, was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia, where both legs are affected, 6 weeks ago. She has had an open reduction operation on her left hip 3 weeks ago and is currently in a cast. She will also need another operation on her right leg at a later date.
Says Helen Grindrod:
"We have been told that it will be at least until May next year before she is out of the cast. Then, there is the time it will take to get her walking again. It is very difficult to see her having to go through this ordeal at such a young age.
"I have been trying unsuccessfully to obtain a "Blue Badge" for her. I have been turned down on the grounds that I can't say that she will be immobile for three years and because she would not have been considered to be walking independently anyway at this age!
"My local MP wrote a letter to the council but it has not helped. I thought it would be obvious that we need extra space to get our children out of our cars safely. "
Kelli-Ann's situation is very similar. Her baby daughter Jessica's hip problem was picked up by her GP at her 6 week check-up and it was later confirmed at a scan that her left hip is totally dislocated.
Says Kelli-Ann Rushton:
"My concern is getting her in and out of the car safely. I don't want to be housebound for a year. There are just not enough mother and baby spaces available and sadly they are sometimes abused.
"I am frightened of having lack of space when Jessica is in her cast especially because hitting her feet on the car could cause the hip to dislocate. I know that the casts are extremely heavy and very difficult to handle.
"All we are looking for is a temporary "blue badge".?
Sue Banton, founder and director of STEPS, which campaigns and supports children with lower limb conditions, commented:
"This is not an issue of walking or not walking. It is about disability, easy access and convenience for parents with children who are temporarily severely disabled.
"The argument that the child would not have been able to walk anyway simply isn't valid. It is still quite common for children who are 5 years and over to have their hips corrected. Whatever the age, a child in a full-body cast must be considered acutely disabled.
"In most normal car parking spaces you are not able to open the door fully. This can mean that parents have to leave their child in the car whilst shopping because it is simply impossible to safely manoeuvre them out of a half-open car door. The problem is the same when taking them to the hospital for treatment. Some parents and children end up being housebound for months and this simply isn't acceptable.
Helen and Kelli-Ann have now started a petition and so far more than 600 people have signed it. To sign the petition, please go to http://ipetitions.com/petition/blue_badge
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| Local charities and mother of 3 receive national award for club foot DVD | | PRESS RELEASE - 12 SEPTEMBER
Manchester based charities STEPS and 'Both Feet Forward' along with mother of 3 Stella Morris have just won a 2006 Patient Information Award (Electronic media) from the BMA (British Medical Association) for the DVD: A Parents Guide to Clubfoot - The Ponseti Method.
Naomi Davis, a consultant from Manchester children's hospital Booth Hall, came up with the idea of producing a DVD following feedback from parents of children with clubfoot. Many felt that not enough information was available about the condition, or the treatment on offer. Stella Morris has a 2 year old son, Anthony who is being treated for clubfoot by Naomi Davis, and Stella offered to "project manage" the production of the DVD.
STEPS and 'Both Feet Forward' agreed to support and sponsor the project.
It took only 7 weeks to complete the filming, editing and burning of the DVDs. It had input from STEPS, including support from parents from the STEPS' discussion forum. Other parents from Booth Hall children's hospital and from abroad also contributed towards the production.
Said Stella Morris:
"I am delighted that we have won this prestigious award. It was wonderful to see so many parents like myself really supporting the project. Parents put forward many ideas, helped with the script, provided photographs, arranged for the DVD's to be burnt for free, and allowed themselves and their children to be filmed. This truly was a DVD for parents, made by parents. We all had a common goal - to make more information available to other parents who found themselves faced with the knowledge that their child has clubfoot.
"It was inspiring to work alongside so many other dedicated people even though most of us have never met each other, except through the Steps discussion forum or in the waiting room at Booth Hall! I would also like to thank Eric Richard and the production crew who were very professional and supportive.
"My son Anthony was born with clubfoot but thanks to the Ponseti treatment he can now walk normally. The Ponseti treatment has seen amazing results but the information about it is still scarce. I really hope that the DVD will mean that more children will have access to the same treatment that Anthony and the children shown in the DVD have received."
Said Sue Banton, director and founder of STEPS:
"Although everyone involved with the DVD needs to be congratulated on winning such a prestigious award, the real thanks must go to Stella. Her dedication, passion and knowledge based on personal experience and her ability to inspire other parents to take part really made the DVD something special.
Says Naomi Davies, consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Manchester Booth Hall children's hospital:
"Being given the right information at the right time is so important to parents of children with club foot and I think this DVD offers that."
Says one of the assessors from the BMA judging panel:
"I thought this was a very good short DVD on this method of treating club foot. The interviews with the parents are well done and the procedure was simply explained.
I envisage that it will go a long way to reassuring parents about this condition."
The DVD is offered free of charge and can be ordered on www.steps-charity.org.uk.
STEPS is now looking for funding to translate the DVD into different languages.
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| PRESS RELEASE - 18 AUGUST | | Escapologist plans 'triathlon' of death-defying tasks
On 9 September, David Matkin - an 'escapologist' and a trustee for STEPS - is planning to carry out a triathlon of death-defying tasks to raise awareness of the charity 'STEPS'. This will include an escape from chains, handcuffs and a cage, a free fall parachute jump and a fire juggling act - blindfolded!
David participated in a "world record setting attempt" escape event in October last year. The success has now inspired him to triple the challenge in the name of charity.
David, 30, was born with club foot on both feet in 1975 and was in and out of hospital for the first 8 years of his life. Here, one of the nurses taught him some magic tricks and that was the beginning of his fascination with magic. Although David still suffers from daily pain he still wants to inspire others like him to live a full and exciting life.
David Matkin says:
"There is no doubt that this is a massive test for me and a step up from my last challenge but I want to raise awareness of both the charity 'STEPS' and lower limb conditions. My disability has never held me back and I want to tell that to both children and young adults who suffer from similar conditions today."
He continues:
"I want children born with club foot to know that they can do anything they put their mind to and I think their daily challenges will make them stronger and more determined in later life. There is an active and exiting life out there for all of us."
Sue Banton, founder and director of STEPS, commented:
"We are delighted that David is helping us raise awareness of lower limb conditions. He is an inspiration to all of us - children and adults."
Sue continued:
"The trials he will face in this triathlon symbolise the challenges faced by children with lower limb conditions every day and encourages them to live a full and exciting life."
David aims to raise £400 for STEPS. To sponsor him go to http://www.justgiving.com/Daves-Triathlon.
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| steps launches new website for information-thirsty parents | |
PRESS RELEASE 19 JULY
New research has revealed that parents of children with clubfoot rely on the internet for information over their local GP, midwife or hospital. National charity steps is therefore now redesigning its website to accommodate the needs of parents.
According to the research - carried out by steps in March 2006 - 63% of parents turned to the internet for information about their child's condition. They also used websites to find emotional support from other parents through discussion forums and chat rooms.
The new website will provide features such as; news section, discussion forum and extensive information about lower limb conditions and treatments. It is planned that the website will also allow parents to access information about doctors specialising in paediatric orthopaedic surgery.
Sue Banton, director of steps, commented:
"It is important that parents have quick and easy access to informed information and advice when their child is diagnosed with a lower limb condition. We have prioritised the redesign our website to make it easier to navigate for even the most novice web user.
"Parent feedback showed that interacting with other parents is very important. Our members rely on other members for emotional support, information and inspiration. Our discussion forum is high priority in the new design."
The website, www.steps-charity.org.uk, will be launched on 25 July
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| Father to complete 5 'Row-athlons' in just 3 months as a tribute to his son | | PRESS RELEASE 13 JULY
Kevan Jones, 44 from Buckinghamshire, is planning to complete an amazing five 'row-athlons' (On average Row 3 km, Cycle 21 km, Run 3 km), including two in Castle Coombe, to raise money for 'steps', a charity which campaigns for children and young adults with lower limb conditions. His son, born with club foot, is his inspiration.
The first two row-athlons will kick off at the race track in Castle Coombe on 23 July and 13 August. These are the first two in a series of five which will take place around the UK. The final race is set to finish on 1 October in Marlow.
Kevan's son Kai, now 10, was born with Unilateral Talipes (club foot) and has endured multiple operations.
Said Kevan about his plans:
'I've always been up for a challenge and wanted to support steps in any way I can. My son is my inspiration. He has taken all his challenges in his stride and compared to what he has been through my challenge seems 'easy'.'
Sue Banton, founder and director of steps, commented:
'We are delighted that Kevan has decided to support us but also inspired by him and his son. They both meet challenges with the same determination - to reach the finish line.
'The money raised through his efforts will help us support some of the most vulnerable people in our society - children with lower limb conditions.'
Kevan has already raised £2,500 of his target of £5,000.
If you wish to sponsor Kevan go to www.justgiving.com/kevanjones
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| New research reveals parents of children with club foot are not given adequate information | |
PRESS RELEASE 15 JUNE
New research has shown that parents of children with club foot (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus) are not given adequate information about their child's condition when diagnosed. The research also showed that people prefer the internet and charities for information over their local GP, midwife or hospital.
Last week it emerged that some parents had chosen to abort their pregnancy when they discovered their unborn child had club foot. Sue Banton, founder of steps, says lack of information could be to blame.
According to new research - carried out by national charity steps which campaigns for children with lower limb conditions - 60% of parents felt that inadequate information was given about their child's condition when diagnosed (either at the 20 week scan or at birth).
Sue Banton, founder of steps, commented:
"Although most parents were given some information at the hospital, 98% either searched the internet or consulted a charity for more information."
Although different methods are available to treat club foot - such as the Ponseti method or surgery - most parents were only told about one form of treatment.
Sue continued:
"Parents should be equipped by hospitals and GP's to make an informed choice about what treatment is best for their child. If they are only given information about one form of treatment this is not possible."
One parent explained how the nurses simply wrapped her newly born child in a blanket and sent her home without mentioning club foot at all.
Sue said:
"I would like to emphasise that we are non-judgemental towards parents who learn that their unborn child has club foot. We aim to provide impartial information about the condition and treatments and we fully support their individual decision.
I strongly believe in putting parents in the best possible position to make an informed choice. Perhaps some of these abortions could have been avoided if the parents had been offered support and information about the condition and the many successful treatments available."
The research included interviews with 40 parents who have given birth to a child with club foot within the last 2 years. It was completed in April 2006.
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| Charity auctions off 'celebrity feet' on e-bay | |
PRESS RELEASE 3 MAY
National charity steps, which campaigns for children with lower limb conditions such as club foot, is auctioning off 20 'celebrity feet' on e-bay, including drawings from Mohamed Al Fayed, Steve Coogan, Nigella Lawson and Richard Whitely. The biddings start on 9 May at 9am and will end 15 May at 9pm.
The 'feet' are drawings, poems and pictures of feet made by celebrities across the UK. Firms, fans and fanatics can all bid for their favourite foot and the question on everybody's lips is 'how far will people go for charity'?
Sue Banton, founder of steps, says:
"We are thrilled that so many have contributed their time and effort to supply these fantastic drawings."
Sue continued:
"The money raised will go towards supplying equipment and funding our help line used every day by families looking for information and support at a very difficult time."
So empty your piggy bank and go to www.ebay.com and help a child to walk. Biddings open 9 May at 9am and bids start at £10.
All drawings will be posted through to the winning bidder straight after the auction ends and all the proceeds will go directly to steps.
The 'feet' up for auction are made by:
Aled Jones, Andy Gray, Brian Conley, Birmingham FC, Chris Jarvis, Frank Bruno, Mohamed Al Fayed, Nigel Havers, Jonathan Wilkes, Geoffrey Hughes, Midge Ure, Nigella Lawson, Christopher Ellison, Paul Nicholas, Toyah Willcox, Steve Coogan, Michael Winner, The entire cast of 'Doctors' and Richard Whiteley.
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| Local Man runs Flora London Marathon following amputation | |
PRESS RELEASE 4 APRIL
Colin Edwards, from Devon, is running the Flora London Marathon on 23 April for the second time. Colin lost his leg after a motorcycle accident almost 30 years ago but has since then completed the London Marathon once and attempted to climb Everest.
Colin, now 50, was only 18 when the accident happened but it is only 11 years ago since his leg was amputated and he began wearing a prosthetic limb. He will raise money for the charity steps which campaigns for children and young adults with lower limb conditions.
Before Colin's amputation he was told that if he had it done while he was young, he would learn to adapt far more easily. So in 1995 he decided it was time if he was to get on with life.
Said Colin about now running the London Marathon for the second time:
"I want to inspire others with disabilities to take on challenges that they otherwise thought they might not be able to do. Running has always been a huge passion of mine and this is a great challenge - the funds could not go to a more worthwhile cause".
Sue Banton, founder and director of steps, commented:
"The funds raised by Colin will help many children facing a challenging childhood. So many people take walking for granted but for some it is something to be grateful for."
Colin will be running the marathon with the full support of his proud family, wife Angela, daughter Emily and his son Tom.
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