Charlotte was also fitted with a water leg with a personal touch, a tattoo of a swift to match her name, that she uses in the shower, when swimming with her son and at the beach. “The great thing about working with Abdo is that I can have a long conversation about the challenge I’m trying to overcome, and he really takes the time to talk it through with me to find the best solution.” As well as getting back to skiing, running, swimming and cycling, Charlotte has tried some new sports, including rock climbing and triathlons. She says, “Abdo made me think about my aims and challenges and helped me achieve my goals. He has enabled me to believe that anything is achievable.”
The turning point
A major turning point for Charlotte was when she returned to skiing for the first time since her accident. It was a very emotional time. Having skied since childhood, Charlotte was worried that she wouldn’t be able to ski again. However, with Abdo’s help, and her own determination, Charlotte has now returned to the slopes many times, using her customised ski prosthesis. In June, Charlotte invited Abdo to watch her enjoy one of her other exhilarating sports, water skiing. Using her custom water leg, Charlotte was able to demonstrate just how far she’d come. Charlotte’s advice to anyone suffering from limb loss is to “take one day at a time and focus on small wins. Anything you did before, you can achieve again. It might take a little more effort and determination, but you will get there. It’s about practice and perseverance.” It was important for Charlotte to return to normal life and regain her independence, without having to rely on anyone else, and with the help of The London Prosthetic Centre, she has done exactly that, and much more.