FOUR ROTARY Clubs in Dorset have collectively donated £2,300 to help Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s provision of care for stroke victims.

The Rotary Clubs of Christchurch, Bournemouth Eastcliff, Parkstone, and Bournemouth North have all contributed towards the hospital’s appeal for a ‘Walkerbot’ machine.

The computer-controlled equipment for the Physiotherapy Dept. will help stroke victims and those suffering from neurological conditions to learn to walk again.

Louise Johnson, Consultant Therapist in Stroke and NHR clinical lecturer, said: "We have been blown away by the support that the Walkerbot appeal has received and are so grateful to the local Rotary Clubs for their generous donation.

“It takes us another step closer to our target and to being able to offer this amazing technology to people who are relearning to walk after a stroke.

“Fundraising for this particular appeal has been a community effort. It is a huge boost for our teams, and so a huge thank you to all of the local Rotary Clubs who have contributed."

The Walkerbot uses a harness suspended above a treadmill and robotic limbs to move the patient’s legs in a consistent pattern, whilst a computer controls the pace of walking and adapts to the body’s responses.

A therapist stands by to instruct the patient and analyse how they are walking.

Chairman of Christchurch Rotary’s Community Service Committee Brian Clarke said: “It is very gratifying when several Rotary Clubs come together to achieve more than any one Club could do on its own, and I thank all my Rotary colleagues for their collaboration.

“As Rotarians we are always keen to help our local community, and a joint effort in these socially distanced times is especially encouraging.

“We so value the work of our NHS staff, and are delighted to be able to support them in this very practical way.”