Patient Ann Henderson was so chuffed to be back on her feet and hiking, she felt a special thanks was needed for our orthotics team.

Ann wrote: "I recently completed  a challenge walk called the Lyke Wake Walk, which is a 40 mile walk across the North York Moors from Osmotherley to Ravenscar, near Scarborough. The challenge is to complete the walk in less than 24 hours! I had no idea if I could walk 40 miles as the longest I had previously walked was 23 miles, which I did about 30 years ago! I am a hill walker, but 8 - 12 miles is about the normal distance!

"My main concern was how would my slightly deformed feet cope? A couple of years ago I was referred by my GP to the Orthotics Department at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and since then I have seen a huge improvement in my ability to walk without any discomfort.

"I have had my current orthotics for about six months and with a bit of tweaking they have been the best so far and, remarkably, I completed the challenge in 18.5 hours! I would not have achieved this without my wonderful orthotics and would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the team for enabling me to continue hiking, hopefully for many years to come, although I won’t be repeating the Lyke Wake Walk again!"

Debbie Wolfe, Interim Head of Therapy Professions added “The aim of the Orthotics Service is to facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of the patient.  This is achieved through the assessment and provision of an orthoses which will either alleviate or relieve a medical condition or disability and may prevent the development of more disabling conditions.  It is wonderful to have helped to make a difference for Ann and to know that the insoles provided have helped her to achieve and continue to undertake her love of hill walking.  Ann is an example of one of many where the service has contributed to their improved quality of life”.

The photo attached is of the Orthotics Team and are left to right: Annette Simpson – Orthotics Officer, Phillip Taylor – Orthotist, Paula Stevens – Orthotics Officer, Anna Clancy – Senior Orthotics Officer. In front – Jack Hallows – Orthotist