Local law firm supports seaside trip for amputees

MORE than 35 amputees, carers and family members were able to enjoy a trip to Llandudno after a local law firm offered to fund a bus ride to the popular North Wales seaside Town.  Southport based Birchall Blackburn Law donated more than £550 to the social enterprise company, Amputation Inspiration Motivation (AIM), so it could take its members on the day out. 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.  Jackie Palmer, AIM's Director of Administration, 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's Dianne and Kelly 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 3 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 1 is."

Dianne Yates, Partner and Head of Serious and Catastrophic Injury for Birchall Blackburn Law, says:- "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 1 of their motivational talks because they'll inspire anyone to do great things."

AIM 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. The social enterprise also produces a bi-monthly newsletter, which features amputee stories and details of all up and coming events. The newsletter sent and emailed to over 300 amputees and 40 prosthetic centres.  For more information about AIM go to WeAreiam.org,  send an email  or call them on:- 01744 808 100. You can also follow AIM on Facebook at:- AmputationInspirationMotivation and on Twitter:- @AIMnwUK.

Surgeon's FIFA fellowship

ENGLAND may have left the Euros early, but a Southport based surgeon had extra time as a guest of FIFA.  Adnan Saithna is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. He specialises in sports injuries of the knee and all aspects of shoulder surgery.  He was invited to spend 3 weeks at centres of excellence in France after being awarded a prestigious travelling fellowship by BOSTAA (the British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Association) for his work in sports injury surgery.  Adnan spent time at the FIFA Centre for Medical Excellence in Lyon and also the Clinique Generale d'Annecy.  He said:- "The fellowship provided me with excellent further training in managing sports injuries in professional athletes. I was able to work alongside world experts to learn innovative new techniques designed to improve the outcomes of patients undergoing knee and shoulder surgery. I also learned many technical tips and tricks and new arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery skills that will be useful to share with my colleagues here and therefore directly benefit a large number of patients treated by the Trust."  Adnan met Dr Olivier Courage, who is a leading figure in the treatment of sports injuries and is President of the French Arthroscopy Society.

Man arrested on suspicion of making death threats to MP

A 44 year old, male has been arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill. Officers from Merseyside Police executed a warrant in Paisley, Scotland, on Friday, 15 July 2016, and arrested the man. He has since been questioned by Merseyside detectives. The arrest comes after an email was sent to the account of Wallasey MP Angela Eagle. As of yet, no more information has been released.