Unfortunately they could only straighten one of his legs and amputated the other. Over the last year Martin has endured many more operations and will remain in Hospital until September 2010.
During the next six months he will undergo strenuous physio sessions to enable him to walk with the aid of a prosthetic leg and crutches. This is a huge improvement to the situation that Martin was in before his operation, only able to move around in a wheelchair (with his legs sticking forward and backward) or shuffling along the ground with his hands or on a skate board.
Before entering the hospital at Tanguieta, Martin was enrolled in a Government run College for Disabled adults in Benin. Martin was taught to weave on a traditional loom to run his own business.
On completion of his one year residential course, Martin and other residents were presented with the equipment needed to continue their chosen career in the local community, with the college acting as a co-operative for the sale of goods they manufactured, sold at a fair price to the general public.
Because Martin has been in hospital for the last 12 months and been unable to work his hospital bill has been steadily growing. The overall cost of Martin’s operations, physiotherapy and accommodation whilst in hospital is approximately £10,000. The West Africa Trust have a few benefactors who are willing to put so much towards the expense, but we do have a shortfall and ask for your help in completing this worthy cause. Any amount would be welcome and 100% of your donation is guaranteed to go to Martin’s welfare.
Over the next few months Newton News and the West Africa Trust will keep readers up-dated on Martin’s progress.
