In some parts of the world the insecurities of life make the possibility of loosing a limb a very real threat. Landmines, diabetes, lack of public health care and unsafe working conditions are among the main causes of loss of life and limb in third world countries. War torn parts of Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other countries still contain undetonated landmines that act as a constant and painful reminder of the struggles these beautiful landscapes and its people have had to  have endure.

The design of artificial limbs has progressed and become more sophisticated allowing for better more comfortable fitting prosthetics.  Artificial limbs have been modified and enhanced over the years to suit most kinds of limb loss. There are many different varieties and qualities of artificial limbs that cost anywhere between $200 and $25,000. Children are unfortunately the main victims of landmines with most injuries occurring whilst playing on old roads laced with undiscovered unknown mines. An innocent game of football can have severe repercussions.

A child grows on average 0.75 inches per year, subsequently meaning they will need around 20-25 different artificial limbs to compensate for their growth.

Disabled children also come under the artificial limb bracket where needed. If it is possible to supply a limb to a child who was disabled from birth then most companies will jump at the chance to build and supply it.

Whilst looking into what kind of support we could give disabled adults and children, BCT discovered that there are specially made tricycles that aid sufferers in getting from one destination to another. The tricycle supports the lower half of the patient, much like a normal bicycle would. However, instead of pedals activated by the feet to propel the tricycle along, the handle bars have been specially adapted to act as pedals. This modification makes travelling much easier for the patients who have lost the use of their legs or suffer with severe balance issues.

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The tricycles have been a revelation for its users, For most patients, the ingenious idea has given them back a sense of dignity. Prior to the invention, severely disabled people have been known in parts of Africa and India to simply use their upper limbs to drag themselves across the floor or find other basic and undignified ways to get from A to B.

Now different versions of the tricycle are available and the prices can vary much like the artificial limbs. There varying options are; electric tricycles, fold up tricycles and basic models that are all designed to make life and travelling for the disadvantaged easier. You can help the deserving by donating on our Donations page and watch as your gift changes a life for the better.