The story
On 7th December 2011, Leon Bunce had routine surgery on his back but complications meant he was left with a severed spinal cord and paralysed from the waist down. The severity of the damage was unclear at the beginning, but after several months in hospital and in excruciating pain, Leon was finally told that the damage was permanent and that he would require long term rehabilitation to learn how to deal with his condition and gain as much function as possible. On being discharged from hospital, Leon was a full time wheelchair user, something that he hated more than anything. Going from being over 6ft 3 to being sat down all day, he hated the way people looked down at him. Not only that, he now felt that he could no longer go anywhere as there are so many restrictions for disabled access. Going for a pint with his friends was something he enjoyed, but with steps to get into most places and disabled toilets hard to navigate, it became hard work. Fed up with life as he knew it and wanting to do something, he asked his GP for a referral to the orthotics department at Portsmouth Enablement Centre.

The solution
At his first appointment, Leon talked to Steeper orthotist Frank about his goal of wanting to be able to stand again. After plenty of discussions and after analysing the various different options, it was decided that a custom made bilateral KAFO would be the best option for Leon. However, with the severity of his condition, it was not going to be an easy process. Leon’s bilateral KAFO was custom made by Steeper and was designed based on his specific biomechanical deficits. As such, providing him with the exact level of control and support he needs in both his knees and ankles. Only a few weeks after his initial assessment, Leon was fitted with his orthosis. Not knowing what to expect, his first reaction was that “they are very white.” But eager to try them out he put them on for the first time. His new KAFOs fitted well to his legs and with the support from Frank and Hannah, Leon stood for the first time.