On his return to Deniliquin from the recent Amped-Up 2023 National Amputee Conference in Melbourne, the Limbs 4 Life’s National Council member was surprised with a community recognition statement from NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
Mrs Dalton acknowledged Mr Thomas’ support work for Limbs 4 Life as a volunteer for the past eight years.
She also gave recognition for his continual work empowering and advocating for amputees by becoming a member of the non-profit organisation’s National Council .
Through that role he has advocated for much needed change for people with a disability.
The community recognition statement also noted Mr Thomas’ volunteer work as a senior deputy of aviation at the Rural Fire Service’s Mid Murray Support Brigade.
“Paul provides tremendous support and guidance to other amputees through Limbs 4 Life Australia, and is known for using his sense of humour to provide inspiration and show others that amputation does not need to hold anyone back,” Mrs Dalton said.
“On behalf of the people of the Murray electorate I wish to congratulate and thank Paul for his compassion and inspiration for the community.”
Mr Thomas became a right below knee amputee in 2013.
The surgery was the outcome of an ongoing battle with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease.
He was one of 300 amputees and carers from across Australia to attend the National Amputee Conference at The Hyatt Place Australian Events Centre in Essendon late last month.
The last conference was held in Canberra three years ago prior to COVID-19, and organisers say it has doubled in size in that short time.
Amputees in attendance covered below knee, through knee, above knee, bilateral and arm amputees, and represented a small number of the 160,000 amputees Australia wide.
The two-day event united amputees, prosthetic manufacturing companies, assistive technology suppliers and a variety of speakers under the one roof.
“In the exhibitor hall there were displays and staff from Ossur, Ottobock, Automobility Vehicle Conversioins, TASKA Prosthetics, Epworth, Orthofabrication, NeuRA Neuroscience Research, Limbs 4 Life and so many more,” Mr Thomas said.
“People could see and touch all the new technology in relation to feet, knees and hands.
“It is amazing to see how far technology has come in the last 10 years since my amputation, and I can’t wait to see what it will be like in another 10 years.”
With each session there were different speakers engaging with the attendees.
They shared information on men’s health, my age care, navigating the health care system, phantom limb pain and also understanding the rights of amputees.
“The whole show was a credit for Limbs 4 Life to put on; it was so successful,” he said proudly.
“The stand out for me was one of the sessions run by Ossur, where they had a demonstration and made a below knee socket on stage in approximately 14 minutes.
“This is a game changer, you can actually walk in with the old socket and within a couple of hours walk out with a brand new socket.
“At the moment people can wait up to a month to get their socket.
“It was also fantastic to finally meet most of the National Amputee Advisory Council from the other states of Australia outside of a Zoom meeting.”
For more information about Limbs 4 Life, or to donate to its support programs and advocacy efforts, go to www.limbs4life.org.au or www.facebook.com/Limbs4Life.
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