Welsh prosthetics company LIMB-art has scooped two awards in this year’s Conwy Business Awards.
The company won New Business of the Year and also Innovation Business of the Year. Conwy Business Awards celebrate the best of Conwy’s private sector businesses and their contribution to communities and the local economy. LIMB-art was established by former Paralympian Mark Williams who designs and manufactures prosthetic leg covers.
The Welsh prosthetics company is on a mission to give prosthetic legs a better shape – traditionally offered on the NHS and which resemble ‘poles’ – as well as allowing the wearer to express their personality. As well as new prosthetic leg covers lit with flashing LED lights, his bespoke designs featuring everything from the Welsh flag to Remembrance Day covers.
Mark 47, from Denbighshire, lost his leg in a cycling accident as a child. He went on to compete and win medals at the Seoul Paralympics in 1988 and World Championship in swimming.
Mark said:
“We were stunned and amazed to win both awards and to also hear the positive comments that came from all the finalists.
“These awards reaffirm that what we are doing for amputees across the world is the right thing.
“Prostheses have come on in leaps and bounds functionally, but how they look has generally been overlooked. LIMB-art changes this. Our covers are a completely customisable accessory, lightweight and easy to fit and they are suitable for all users of above and below knee prostheses.
“Our covers not only give the wearer a full leg shape and restore balance to their silhouette, they also boost their confidence and allow them to show their personality because we offer a whole range of colours and designs.
“When you wear a cool looking cover, it breaks down barriers and cuts out awkward stares. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been stopped in the street and been told my leg looks amazing.
“We don’t want prosthetic wearers to hide away or be self-conscious. We want to be known worldwide for making the coolest prosthetic leg covers so people who wear them feel they can stand out and stand proud.”
There are more than 500 new amputees each month in the UK and over 30 million amputees globally.
