"When I was six years old I fell into a pit of hot coals, which severely burned my feet and legs. For two years after this I was in a wheelchair. My whole quality of life at that time was improved by the work of the orthotists and prosthetists that treated me. I was given special splints for my legs that helped to prevent complications like the tendons shortening in my legs. Those splints led me to recovery and helped me walk again. 

"Later, special footwear helped me to play rugby. I think those experiences helped me decide to become an orthotist."

“I'm from South Africa and studied and worked as an orthotist/prosthetist there for a number of years. But then we decided we needed a change. We were interested in giving our kids some different opportunities and wanted to bring them to a country where they could adapt easily. I was told that there was a demand for orthotists in New Zealand and because it had those other things that we wanted – the climate, language and culture – we came out in 2007. Of course, it has rugby as well!

“Prosthetics and orthotics are split here but I studied both at home. Coming here I’ve had to focus on only the orthotics side of things. It’s strange that they’re split here because a lot of the things in both jobs are very involved with one another.”

"Have you ever tried walking on one leg with a pair of crutches, and then go to make yourself a cup of coffee and then take it to sit outside? You couldn’t, because how do you carry a mug – you’re using your crutches. It’s those simple things that people miss.

"When I was in Africa, I had cases with a lot of people coming in with wheelchairs, or mothers carrying children on their backs because the children couldn’t walk in. But eventually, with the right orthosis (a device applied to a patient's limb to help with mobility issues and to offer protection, or to help correct deformities or help with post-operative treatment) they were able to walk out of there on their own.

"It’s a tremendous feeling to know that you have helped someone to stand up on his own to go get a coffee or a cup of water. Working in orthotics and prosthetics is like filling someone’s tank with petrol. You give them the gas to go another million miles. That’s what it's all about."