Get involved with a Great Local Charity

I received recently details of a worthy attempt to raise funds for a charity that will provide benefit to babies and children born in Kent with a condition called Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (Talipes) or what some people will recognise it as club foot. I hope that some of you can support the attempt by contacting the number below or by following the hyperlink at the bottom of the story and donating money to this worthy cause.

On 19th May 2008 Jamie Harris, Lee Harris, Phil Steptoe and Mark Cornell will be cycling 400miles from Lands End, Cornwall to Herne Bay, Kent over 5 days. This is to raise funds for the Ponseti Clinic at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

The Ponseti Clinic treats babies and children born with a condition called Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (Talipes).

The Ponseti method of treatment is by far the kindest, although there are not that many practitioners here in this country. Developed by Dr Ignacio Ponseti in the U.S this method does not involve any major surgery, just one small operation under a local anesthetic called a tenotomy this is to lengthen the tight Achilles tendon. The baby’s feet are gradually corrected through manipulation and serial casting then after 5-6 weeks some babies need the tenotomy to further correct the position of the foot. Once the foot is in a ‘normal’ position the baby is fitted with a special brace which they have to wear until they are 3-4 years old to maintain the correction. Any extra funds raised will help to purchase vital equipment to further the effectiveness of the treatment.

I am sure that you will agree that this is a very worthy cause and if your company would like to support this cause, then please contact Lissa Harris on 01227 373503 or by visiting the website www.raise4ruben.co.uk where you can donate securely on line and also learn more about talipes.The Ponseti Clinic @ East Kent Hospitals Trust Charitable Fund – Registered Charity Number: 1076555