A Chester-based law firm has ensured that amputees, carers and family members were able to enjoy a trip to Llandudno.
Birchall Blackburn Law donated more than £550 to the social enterprise company, Amputation Inspiration Motivation (AIM), to fund a bus ride for a day out to the popular North Wales seaside town.
As well as offering amputees help, support and guidance on rehabilitation, prosthetics, benefits and returning to work, AIM works to prevent loneliness and social exclusion.
The organisation helps fund activities through donations and by giving inspiring and motivational talks to businesses, colleges and schools.
AIM’s director of administration Jackie Palmer says: “A few of our amputees have never been out of their home town and the trip to Llandudno was a massive deal for them. Amputees can experience a lot of isolation. Spending days pottering with family and friends in a new place can make a big difference.
“We were so taken aback by Birchall Blackburn Law when they offered to support the trip. We have to hire an exclusive bus with a side lift for all our members with wheelchairs. There are not a lot of these types of buses available and it can add between £200 and £300 to the cost. So, we need all the help we can get from the business community.
“It was a great day for everyone; from our youngest member, a three-year-old boy, to our elderly members in their seventies. Llandudno is a fantastic and busy day out. The feedback we’re getting from everyone about the trip is fantastic and we’ve already been asked when the next one is.”
Partner and head of serious and catastrophic injury for Birchall Blackburn Law Dianne Yates said: “AIM is a group of dedicated, passionate and inspiring people who do incredible work. The team helps amputees face the future and live fulfilling lives. We thoroughly recommend that you try and see one of their motivational talks because they’ll inspire anyone to do great things.”
AIM is based in St Helens and was created by Steve Cruse and former soldier Andy Reid.
Andy lost his arm and both legs when he stood on an IED serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Steve was seriously injured and lost both his legs in a car crash in Australia in 2008.
Against the odds both have gone on to achieve extraordinary things and help hundreds of fellow amputees to make the most of their futures.
For more information about AIM go to www.weareiam.org , email info@weareaim.org or call 01744 808 100.
