Patient stories

The patients of the prosthetic and orthotic services 500 miles has established and supports are our reason for being and our biggest inspiration. With nothing like the ease of access or quality of prosthetic and orthotic services that we enjoy in the UK, their enthusiastic and uncomplaining response to what these services can do for them is humbling.

500 miles supports men, women, boys and girls of all ages. Approximately half of the demand is for prostheses and orthoses for children but considerably more males than females seek these devices or are brought by their guardians.

In Malawi, some patients self-refer by turning up at the door but most are referred by hospitals or government agencies, together with NGOs who know about the service and facilitate its delivery, sometimes by providing transport and other support. If you live in Malawi and you need prosthetic or orthotic help, please contact us direct.

Please click on the photos below to be inspired by some of the wonderful people we have worked with.