A dedicated medical team from Bradford Hospitals is bringing hope and mobility to children in Pakistan by donating orthotic equipment that would have otherwise gone to waste.
The initiative was sparked by a chance meeting between Orthotics Clinical Lead Lisa Buckley, Orthotist Biko Bourgeois, and a seven year old patient named Khadeejah. During an appointment Khadeejah’s parents shared the story of a center they founded in their hometown of Jhelum to support children with disabilities who live in poverty.
A Legacy of Care The Khadeejah Children’s Care Centre
Opened in May 2024 the center was established as a legacy for Khadeejah to provide specialized services to a community with limited access to healthcare. The impact has been immediate
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Addressing High Demand The center currently supports children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities. While 100 children are receiving active care another 74 are currently on a waiting list due to reaching capacity.
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Life Changing Support Since opening 98 children have been fitted with orthotics and many have benefited from in house physiotherapy.
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Overcoming Poverty Many families in the village cannot afford food let alone the costly travel to distant government hospitals. The center provides these services entirely free of charge.
Recycling for a Cause
In the UK many orthotic boots and supports are designated for single patient use and are typically discarded once returned. Recognizing the high cost and low quality of supplies in Pakistan Lisa and Biko began collecting unused or good condition returns to send to Jhelum.
So far the Bradford team has donated
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Footwear and Splints
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Arm Ankle and Hand Supports
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Recyclable Components and Materials
Lisa Buckley noted that knowing these donations are making a difference in the lives of children across the world is amazing.
First Steps and Future Progress
The donations from Bradford are already proving to be life changing. Khadeejah’s father Amir Idris shared that the center has already witnessed several children taking their first steps after receiving foot splints or specialist shoes.
The 4000 square foot facility continues to grow as a beacon of hope for the Jhelum community. By recycling medical equipment the Bradford team is not only reducing waste but also ensuring that children with complex needs have the chance to walk play and live with dignity.
The takeaway A simple act of kindness from a hospital team in the UK is breaking down geographical barriers and giving children in Pakistan a chance at a more mobile future
