Breaking news!

Many congratulations to Mike Boddington, the founder of POWER International, who has just been awarded an MBE for his services to the victims of unexploded ordnance in Laos.

See The Difference our work can make by clicking below..

Did you miss the ballot for the London Marathon? Don't worry - we are delighted to have secured 5 places in this event for the next five years. These highly sought after places may be secured for the April 17th 2011 race by a £50 deposit in the first instance; the balance of £250 to be paid by 3rd April 2011 and a commitment to raise £1200 for the work of POWER through personal sponsorship. Please ring Moira for more details on 01494 614604.

Registered in UK No.1059996

Nursing equality

LOSING MOBILITY

Nancy Lukonde is a 34 year old woman who developed some weakness in her right leg two months after delivering her second child in 2006. Over the next couple of years, she progressively deteriorated and by February 2008 could no longer walk.

LOSING HOPE

Nancy had qualified as a nurse in 2002 and had been working in private institutions but to her delight she was offered a post at the Kabwe General Hospital in 2008. Nancy reported to work in a wheelchair but despite working hard to fulfil her role, she was advised to leave work after 3 days, by the Provincial Health Director who said that she could not work as a nurse in her condition.

Meanwhile, her own doctor had recommended her for an MRI scan and further treatment abroad. Despite this recommendation she seemed to have reached a closed door as it remained that - just a recommendation.

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN

At this point, Nancy approached the Advancing Disability Equality Project, asking whether they could help her. They could! They followed up the case with the Ministry of Health and Nancy was finally sent to South Africa in February 2009 where Nancy underwent an MRI scan. This showed that she had a cervical tumour that she had been living with for about 10 years. The good news was it was treatable. After an operation and some rehabilitation was discharged.

CHANGE FOR GOOD

Nancy returned to Zambia in April 2009 with a big improvement in her health. ADEPt then wrote to the Ministry of Health asking for her reinstatement with her salary back-dated from the time of dismissal, which they agreed to do and Nancy is back at work. If the project-workers had not intervened, Nancy would still be on a wheelchair without a job.