The NHS provide a basic level of orthotic care, but a lot of children like Oakley need much more specialist orthotic devices to support them, something the NHS are unable to provide due to funding constraints. We hope that will change one day, but for now, it means we have to pay for these privately.
Having the right orthotics equipment at the right time is crucial; it’s vital Oakley has the right support for his development and to minimise skeletal complications down the line. Without them, the impact on Oakley could be highly detrimental to his strength and mobility, something we work so hard on with physio. The combination of physio and the right orthotics is critical to Oakley’s progress.
Spine bracing
Spinal brace and compression suit: Oakley needs a modern dynamic spinal brace specifically moulded for him to protect and correct his spine whilst sitting, in 2024 Oakley had two braces as he grew, the first was part funded through fundraising, the 2nd by family. We continue to get these through leaders in the field Spinecor. Alongside this Oakley has a special compression/support suit (Italian specialists Flexa) to use particularly during movement/work/physio and also a lycra suit with bespoke support for his hips.
Ankle, Foot and knee orthotics AFOs and KAFOs
AFOs (ankle-foot-orthotic) and KAFOs (knee-ankle-foot-orthotic): these are braces that support the foot, ankle and leg. They help Oakley to stand with stability and to strengthen his muscles. AFOs wrap around the ankle, foot and lower leg; KAFOs are in two sections with flexible joints at the knee connecting the lower and upper sections. They are now made of ultra lightweight plastics which are moulded precisely to fit. Oakley’s AFOs are not currently available through the NHS and we travelled to Italy for Oakley’s first two sets; we have now been able to get a new set from London Orthotics. His newest KAFO have been provided through the NHS locally.Oakley also has specially made bespoke boots which support the ankle, the most recent pair have been supplied by London Orthotics.
Total spend on Orthotics in 2024 was £5529 using fundraising. Oakley will continue to need replacement orthotics as he grows beyond the adjustable range and possibly for different needs as he develops.
Expected cost of new and replacement orthotics in in 2025 approx £8,000.
Thank you for all your help!
Please see the blog for all the updates on fundraising activities.