“I have been attending APC Northmead since 2006. David Howells and the team were referred to me, via another client, with whom my family have connections with and live in the same small town in North West NSW.
My right leg was amputated, above the knee, in 2005 after a farming accident in the Hunter Valley. After getting back to work, I began researching newer leg models and technologies, as I was unsatisfied with the prosthetic leg I was initially fitted with. My lifestyle and work commitments called for a leg with less restrictions and a prosthetist who could think “outside the box” and not accept the status quo. When I first met with David (12 months post-accident), I was buoyed by his response and approach to newer technologies. Also, his willingness to help me with my wishes to remain in the bush, without altering my career/life, which had been suggested by other ‘professionals’.
I have found and continue to find extreme expertise within the team, from the administration ladies out the front to the tech guys and prosthetists in the workshop out the back.
Their willingness to support me and my wishes have thoroughly helped me keep my life on track, by updating me and training me to use the latest in prosthetic leg technology, since losing my leg in the accident.
As a rural producer and a competitive horseman, I am required to perform regular, physically strenuous duties in day-to-day life. The team at APC are always able to help adapt or modify my legs to suit such activities. Or simply fit me with the leg, which will allow me to perform such tasks and live my life to the fullest. Without this support I would not be living and competing at the level I do.
Although I do not wear my leg while riding and competing. The training I received and the leg I have been fitted with, has allowed me to accommodate all the pressures and duties of working in the livestock industry, as well as competing at a high level.
My wife and I have 3 young children, who also share our passion for horses and the farming life. They regularly ride and as such I am required to be on hand – as any dad is. The prosthetics I have been fitted with over the years at APC have given me the confidence needed and allowed me to be the supportive dad/husband which I am required to be, without letting the amputation control my ability.
I have maintained regular visits to the Northmead office since initially visiting in 2006 despite work/family commitments which have taken me as far north to Bundaberg QLD and as far west as Condamine QLD. We still have to travel 700+km to attend the clinic but do so to maintain the high-quality treatment and advice.
Over the years I have recommended David and APC Prosthetics to several people who I can happily say have visited and are now enjoying the progressive nature of the team at APC.”
