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Date of release: 12th March 2025
Patient donates equipment to Mobility Centre
A grateful patient who lost both legs has donated a vital piece of equipment to say thank you to Wolverhampton NHS staff for helping him learn to walk again, and to help others.
Stuart Horobin, 43, lost his left leg just above the knee and his right leg from the middle of his calf in a motorbike accident nearly two years ago.
The former lorry driver has bought a £240 sewing machine to show his gratitude to staff at The Maltings Mobility Centre in Wolverhampton after learning to walk again with prosthetic limbs following surgery and intensive physiotherapy.
The machine is used to adjust materials for the manufacture and fitting of prosthetic legs and rehabilitation after lower-limb amputation.
Stuart was rushed to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital but unfortunately his lower legs could not be saved.
Through his determination and the support of staff such as Lou Tisdale, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Amputee Rehabilitation at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), and Dawn Crofts, Clinical Lead, he has learned to walk again, with sticks and prosthetics.
Stuart has been in the gym several times each week with Lou and Dawn, plus swimming and walking.
He even passed a driving test to drive an automatic car, and hopes to drive a lorry again one day.
“I decided to make a donation because I wanted to thank the staff and show my appreciation for their support,” said Stuart, who is being supported by his partner of 24 years Lisa and their 13-year-old son.
“The staff and patients of The Maltings will benefit as the machine is an essential piece of equipment used on a regular basis.
“I have been attending appointments at The Maltings for the last 22 months, receiving support from Physiotherapists, Prosthetists and other support staff.
“I dread to think where I’d be without them and I couldn’t wish for better support.
“So I wanted to gift them an item needed to support people in similar situations to myself.
“It’s a privilege to give a little back to a deserving team, with the added bonus of knowing it will help others.”
Lou said: “The limb absence and prosthetic rehabilitation service would like to thank Stuart, his family and friends for raising money and then gifting our service with a sewing machine.
“It will be put to good use in the prosthetic workshop preparing materials for when individuals have a prosthetic socket made, sewing straps to adjust them to individual needs and making off-the-shelf items fit better.”
Lindsey Wagstaff, Community and Events Fundraising Officer for The RWT Charity which received the donation on behalf of the service, said: “We’re very grateful to Stuart – his donation will ensure patients will have comfortable prosthetics to wear.
“We’re also bowled over by his determination to get back to leading a normal life again. Well done!”