A £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund (formerly known as the Big Lottery Fund) has literally raised the roof at local spinal cord injury rehabilitation centre Neurokinex. The charitable trust, based at Almondsbury, was delighted to be awarded a grant to buy a Keiser power rack with body support to improve its clients’ rehabilitation programmes. However, it hit a snag when the dimensions of the equipment were confirmed…. Luckily, specialist installation company Inside Ltd came to the rescue. Understanding how important the Keiser kit was to Neurokinex, Craig Frame, founder of Inside Ltd, volunteered to raise the ceiling height and install the rack free of charge.
“We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity throughout this process,” says Edward Baker, Clinical Lead at Neurokinex Bristol. “Firstly, I must thank the National Lottery Community Fund for awarding the £10,000 grant and secondly Keiser for discounting our preferred product to meet our budget. Finally, I am truly grateful to Inside Ltd for stepping up to help us raise the ceiling in order to complete the installation of the rack,” he says.
“The Keiser rack removes the risk and fear of falling. It can be used by people with a wide range of disabilities and the majority of our clients will benefit from it,” says Edward. “Its unique technology allows us to de-weight almost everyone and bring them up to stand safely. Physically and mentally the benefits are enormous for people with paralysis if they can get back on their feet during their time with us. Many clients are enjoying it, but a couple really illustrate its impact,” continues Edward. “One lady who is working with us after suffering a stroke, stood for the first time in 18 months with the support of the Keiser rack while another client managed to cycle an indoor bike independently whilst supported by the machine.”
“We were honoured that Edward sought funding for our Keiser Power Rack which can apply air resistance technology in a unique way as a body weight support system,” says Garry Spreadborough, Sales Director at Keiser UK. “This allows many diverse groups to perform weight-bearing exercise critical to promoting health, advancing recovery, reducing the risk of fractures and managing bodyweight,” he says. “Many groups can benefit from using it including people who have suffered a stroke, individuals with paralysis requiring assistance to stand and children with neurological injuries learning to walk,” he explains. “Already Edward has clients aged 10 to 70 using the Keiser in their therapy sessions: it’s a terrific piece of kit for rehabilitation and a wise use of the National Lottery Community Fund donation.”
It’s not just Neurokinex clients who are going from strength to strength: the rehabilitation site itself is doing very well too. Since launching 18 months ago with one member of staff and one client, Neurokinex Bristol now has 26 active clients, two full time staff and two interns.