Bradford Hospitals’ Orthotics Team Brings Hope to Children at Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre in Pakistan

Bradford, UK – A compassionate team from Bradford Hospitals is transforming lives at the Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre in Jhelum, Pakistan, by donating used orthotic equipment to support children with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy. The initiative, led by Orthotics Consultant Lisa Buckley and Orthotist Biko Bourgette, was inspired by a heartfelt encounter with seven-year-old Khadeejah and her parents during a routine appointment at West Riding House in August 2024.

Khadeejah, who has complex physical needs due to cerebral palsy, is under the care of Bradford’s orthotics team. During the appointment, her parents, Amir and his wife, who live in Bradford’s BD19 area, shared their inspiring story of founding the Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre in May 2024. Located in their hometown of Jhelum, the centre serves children with disabilities in a rural area where poverty and distance often prevent access to healthcare. Named after their daughter, the centre is a family-funded legacy to provide essential medical support, physiotherapy, and respite care for families.

Amir Idris, Khadeejah’s father, explained the centre’s critical role: “Our village has a high number of children with cerebral palsy, with 172 of the 264 registered children facing physical disabilities caused by this condition. We’ve had to cap support at 150 children due to capacity, with 114 on a waiting list. The centre offers free services, including in-house physiotherapy and monthly orthotics support from specialists, but equipment in Pakistan is expensive and often low-quality compared to the UK.”

Moved by the family’s dedication, Lisa Buckley explored ways to help. After discovering that used orthotic equipment—typically discarded in the UK as single-use items—could be repurposed, she and Biko began donating items like orthotic boots, arm, ankle, hand, and foot supports in good condition. “These donations are making a life-changing difference,” Amir said. “We’ve seen children take their first steps with foot splints and specialist shoes from the centre, and we’re confident Bradford’s orthotics will have the same impact.”

Since opening, the Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre has provided orthotic devices to 148 children, enabling greater mobility and independence. The 4,000-square-foot facility, with a separate office outbuilding, is designed to be a spacious, welcoming space for families. It employs a holistic approach, offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and family counseling, while also providing support for siblings. The centre collaborates with an orthotics team from Lahore, which visits monthly to fit and adjust devices, and relies on donations to sustain its operations, as most families served live in extreme poverty and cannot afford medical care or travel to government hospitals.

Lisa and Biko’s ongoing donations include equipment returned unused or in good condition by Bradford patients. “Biko and I are passionate about our work,” Lisa said. “Knowing our donations are helping children in Pakistan is incredibly rewarding.” The orthotics team maintains close contact with Khadeejah’s family, receiving regular updates on the centre’s impact, including heartwarming stories of children gaining mobility.

Amir expressed deep gratitude: “The support from Lisa and Biko is invaluable. We started this centre to give back to a community without access to basic healthcare, and their donations are helping us grow stronger.” The centre’s work is a beacon of hope in Jhelum, addressing the needs of children who would otherwise go without care.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, which supports the Trust’s initiatives, encourages community involvement in such projects. For more information on the Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre and how to support its mission, visit khadeejahcare.com.

This collaboration between Bradford’s orthotics team and the Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre showcases the power of compassion, proving that even used equipment can create lasting change for children in need.

For more information on its’ work please go to: https://khadeejahcare.com/

News and images Source: https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/bradford-hospitals-donation-puts-big-smiles-on-childrens-faces-in-pakistan/