Lebanon: Revolutionary UK-made crutches transform Hasan’s life
Under the GREAT Campaign, British Ambassador Hugo Shorter hosted a fund-raising music night to help raise $15000 for the disabled in Lebanon.
Smartcrutch event in Lebanon
“It’s a life changer,” says Smartcrutch Ambassador in Lebanon, Hasan, who – disabled from birth- has been using these revolutionary UK-made crutches, for over a year. Using conventional crutches for more than 20 years affected his mobility and wore out the flesh on his fingers, causing them to bleed constantly. Today, Hasan’s hands are healing much faster, his mobility has become easier and as a husband and new father he is able to independently support his family.
Under the GREAT Campaign, British Ambassador Hugo Shorter hosted a fund-raising music night for the ‘Smartcrutches for Lebanon’ project in support of ‘Smartmove’, a group of private individuals from Lebanon and the UK who were inspired by Hasan’s story. The event was attended by friends of the embassy and ‘Smartmove’ across the social, political, media, health and business spheres, successfully exceeding its fundraising target of $15,000 to over $17,000 so far to buy more than 140 pairs of Smartcrutch for people and children with disability.
Welcoming his guests, Ambassador Shorter spoke about previous fundraising events hosted by the embassy for other good causes, and highlighted the important work that Arc-en-ciel and LPHU are doing for people with disabilities in Lebanon. He also spoke about how the UK has been outward facing in science, technology and innovation, moving away from conventional methods, with Smartcrutches being one clear example. And how other breakthroughs, such as revolutionary adjustable glasses bringing 20/20 vision, and off-road wheelchairs designed to cope with rough terrain, are helping thousands of people in the world’s poorest countries . Last but not least Ambassador Shorter thanked the sponsors who offered British food, drinks, prizes and auction items, and also thanked his guests for their generous contributions.
The Smartcrutch is a new generation mobility aid that offers advanced flexibility and comfort for those suffering from a variety of physical issues that require the use of crutches. The unique design of the Smartcrutch spreads the load of the body weight on the whole forearm, which releases pressure and pain from the hands and wrists. Long term use of conventional crutches often results in chronic pain and injury to the hands and wrists owing to the immense pressure of the load they carry.
An official ceremony will be held later in the year to hand the 140+ pairs of Smartcrutch over to two prominent NGO’s: Arc-en-Ciel and the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union, who will distribute them to the most disadvantaged people with disabilities. The event will also include handing over several pairs of junior crutches donated by Smartcrutch for disabled children.