Realistic Surfaces for Walking Practice and Testing

It had long been the wish of Step Up to create a garden on land behind the Limb Fitting Centre and we finally got approval from the Trust. The staff at the Centre, the staff from Blatchfords, the company contracted to the Centre for the supply of limbs, and the committee put forward their requirements for the Garden. A design was finally agreed and a drawing was completed and we went out to tender, following on from this we started fundraising.

In order to build and landscape the Garden, and retain funds to maintain the Garden for the next 15 to 20 years we needed to raise £29,000. From May to December 2011 the funds were raised, many Trusts, and other organisations, including local ones contributed, however, the largest contributor of £10,000 was by the Lottery.

The Garden was opened on the 29th March 2012 jointly by the Trust Chairman and the Mayor of Luton Borough Council. We have tried to create as many different surfaces, cambers, ramps and steps in the space allowed in order that you can be prepared to walk once you leave the safety of the Centre. 

If you have been fitted with your first limb following amputation, or, you have received a replacement of your old limb, please go and walk out in the Garden with a member of Staff, in order that you acclimatize yourself with the many problems you will undoubtedly face in the future.