Jim's Greatest Challenge!

Firstly, many thanks to everyone who has donated so far to my brother’s fund. Your help is so very much appreciated. As my brother continues to recover the true extent of the surgeries needed are now coming to light. For this reason we are updating his fundraiser with a new goal  - Jim’s Greatest Challenge!
 
 So, a brief summary for those of you new to Jim’s Story.
 
My name is Lisa Beaumont and along with my sister Nicky and Jim’s wife Keri, we are fundraising on behalf of Jim Ashworth- Beaumont.
 

Jim actively served his country in the Army Forces for many years. For the last 20 years he has dedicated his life to the NHS as a Prosthetist and Orthotist, helping patients with the most complex spinal, orthopaedic and neurological conditions at the World-renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital near London. Jim is also a running coach, trainer, mentor and athlete.
An all-round good bloke, who now needs your help!
 
Jim’s story
 
On the 21st of July 2020 Jim’s life changed forever as a result of a horrific cycling accident. Whilst out training he was run over by an articulated lorry. This caused the most appalling injuries and permanent disabilities. He lost most of his right arm at the scene, suffered massive injuries to his internal organs, skin, spine, ribs and legs. Then, multi-organ failure and sepsis set in. He was on life support at King’s College Hospital, in a coma for 5 weeks.
 
Given the range and severity of the injuries he sustained, no-one believed he would be fit to return to his career for years to come, if at all. But he has beaten the odds. He was able to come home before Christmas, regained the ability to walk, exercise and has returned to work in a non-clinical capacity. But Jim has set himself an extraordinary challenge – he is determined that he will fully return to treating patients, helping them conquer their disabilities and giving them the opportunity to live their most fulfilling lives.
 
Jim’s Greatest Challenge

It’s been recognised that a conventionally fitted artificial limb, suspended from the short remnant of his arm will not be sufficient to return the function Jim needs in order to work with patients effectively. But the technologies now exist to create a ‘’bionic’’ arm, which could be connected directly to his skeleton and nervous system by specialist surgery, allowing Jim to continue to work in the field that he loves.
 
The procedures involved have been trialed in less than 10 patients throughout the world and never before in the UK. The full surgery and rehabilitation plan extends over years and, including the creation of the unique limb has been independently costed at around £300,000 pounds. As such, NHS funding is not yet an option for patients requiring this treatment.

Jim recently recounted his story for BBC National News

Accident left prosthetic expert in need of new arm - BBC News

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-56113048

 
The plan
 
This appeal has been established to raise funds to meet those costs. We know that this entails a huge commitment of time and money. But Jim has demonstrated superhuman powers of recovery and strength of mind, has a clear vision of what lays ahead and, ironically, an expert knowledge of the risks and benefits involved. As a result, his surgical and technical teams consider him to be the prime candidate in the UK to tolerate and gain from the highly invasive osseointegration, muscle-nerve surgery and lengthy rehabilitation necessary. As an academic and clinician, Jim is also driven by the opportunity to help prove the technology and bring it to Britain for the benefit of all future patients.

Your donation, however small, will not only help Jim further on the road to recovery but also indirectly help his NHS patients and, in addition the interests of medical progress. 
 
Finally, please can we ask that you share Jim’s story with your family and friends?

A massive thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lisa, Keri and Nicky.

PS Below is an interview recorded shortly before his accident. It demonstrates the man Jim was and still remains:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiA4eJ7t7jw