Dr. Viquar Qurashi is an orthopaedic surgeon at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, and a member of Sedgley & Wombourne Rotary.
Every year since 2005, he has visited developing countries such as Pakistan during his annual leave to help fit prosthetic limbs to people within the communities for free.
People within these countries often have very little money, and therefore would not have the opportunity to have prosthetics fitted, if it wasn’t for Dr Viquar.
The prosthetic limbs are manufactured using indigenous, low cost materials such as high density plastic drain pipes from the local area, at a fraction of the cost of prosthetic limbs produced in the UK. This allows more prosthetics to be fitted to help patients become active members in their society once again.
Every year since 2005, he has visited developing countries such as Pakistan during his annual leave to help fit prosthetic limbs to people within the communities for free."
Dr Viquar and his team are hands on when it comes to finding the materials required to make the prosthetics.
“On many occasions when the suppliers realise they are supplying the materials to me for the prosthetics, they give them for free as they understand the impact he has within their community” explained Dr Viquar.
The fitting of these prosthetics is also a simple process. In order to help as many people as possible, Dr Viquar trains locals within these areas on how to fit the prosthetics and mould them to each individual.
People within these countries often have very little money, and therefore would not have the opportunity to have prosthetics fitted, if it wasn’t for Dr Viquar.
The training not only allows the trainees to begin their own business and fit prosthetics as they have had the correct training, but it also helps the communities to become more self-reliant. more people will be able to receive affordable prosthetics.
To date he has fitted artificial limbs to over 10,000 people. This year he is partnering with the Indus Hospital to fit artificial limbs on amputees in Tharparkar. If not for his work and dedication, thousands of young people would not be able to walk and lead a relatively normal life.
When Dr Viquar visits these countries he is welcomed by the whole community. Although they have little money they make him meals and give him a roof over his head. He is their guest and they are grateful for everything he does for them.
Dr Viquar and his team are now developing with the aid of a 3D printing machine low cost upper limb amputation such as prosthetic hands which holds out great promise for the future.
Ruth Wareing, was nominated by Maghull and Aughton Rotary club for the Community Champions Award for her work with a project called ‘The Learning Room’.
The Learning Rooms is a non-profit community organisation offering day provision for adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and additional needs.
The Learning Room’ supports and gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to integrate with society along with offering work experience opportunities.
Every day the projects supports 25-30 people with disabilities and additional needs each day.
Although most people with learning difficulties would love some form of paid employment, only 6% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment and this figure is declining.
Due to a lack of in-work support, and the fact the Government disability employment programmes do not meet the needs of people with learning difficulties, they face a lot of barriers to try and find any sort of employment in the first place.
Only 6% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment and this figure is declining."
Likewise many young people struggle to flourish in mainstream schools and colleges. It can be difficult to engage for a variety of reasons.
The Learning Rooms provide bespoke support to individuals to develop life, work and social skills to meet their individual needs. This allows them the chance to gain confidence and self-esteem, along with providing them with opportunities to show themselves, their families and the wider community that they can contribute.
The Learning Rooms also works closely with local businesses to see what opportunities may be available for employment. They also reach out to schools and colleges to give students work placements and experience.
Ruth works tirelessly with her sole aim being that of the client’s welfare and personal independence. She has helped change the lives of so many clients along with their family’s outlook on life.
