06 Jul

Steeper Prosthetic Technician Volunteers at the ALFA Prosthetic Centre in Kenya

Steeper Prosthetic Technician Volunteers at the ALFA Prosthetic Centre in Kenya Steeper Prosthetic Technician Volunteers at the ALFA Prosthetic Centre in Kenya Steeper Prosthetic Technician Volunteers at the ALFA Prosthetic Centre in Kenya
 
As a Prosthetic Technician, Corey is used to helping others but is fortunate to have access to high quality components, well-trained staff, and functioning machinery. “A huge contrast to the UK, the workshop at ALFA contained the minimum in terms of tools and equipment. There were no vacuums, no industrial ovens and no shiny new tools. I was looking forward to seeing a limb manufacture with such basic equipment.”



The story
Corey explained that he’d always wanted to do more to help those at a disadvantage, and so when he reached out to the charity MEND in New Zealand, they suggested many options for Corey to volunteer - one being the ALFA.
The problem
After many conversations with the staff at ALFA, they explained to Corey that their main problem was not being able to source high-quality parts, and that most of their parts were cheap, heavy and bulky. This is where Corey could help. With the support of Steeper, Corey sourced a range of high-quality items to provide to patients in his time there. “From silicone liners to rotation adapters, I had plenty to really make a difference and to produce some high-quality limb builds”.

The turning point
One patient was left particularly delighted with her new limbs, as she left the ALFA walking for the very first time as a bilateral amputee. “What made this event even more special was that her family all came to greet her on her last day at ALFA, signifying the importance of the effect rehabilitation can have on one’s life.”
Over the duration of the trip, with the support from the ALFA centre, Corey helped several patients and manufactured some life-changing limb builds. “I made some unforgettable memories and developed great relationships with the staff at ALFA. The trip has changed my outlook on life, and although we all have our struggles, we are lucky to live in a country that has a health service that looks after the most important thing, you.”