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Walking Tall Again
Like so many nine-year-old boys the world over, Enayatullah loved playing with his battered collection of toy vehicles. He and his friends would spend hours putting together makeshift roads and tracks then drawing lots for the best cars to race. His favourite was a lorry and even at such a young age he dreamed of one day being a real truck driver.
Then, in a split second, Enayatullah's life changed forever.
After school one day, a group of his friends had gathered close to his house in a village 30 miles from Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city.
The children were charging around and never noticed some metal fragments in the nearby undergrowth. In an instant, one of them had stumbled on an improvised explosive device - the remnant of a 2021 conflict - which detonated with devastating consequences. Four of the youngsters were killed on the spot and six others suffered horrific injuries, including Enayatullah and his eight-year-old cousin.
Frantic family and neighbours pulled the maimed and screaming children clear and Enayatullah was rushed to a hospital in Kandahar, where he was sedated and treated for 40 days. The surgeons tried in vain to save his right leg, but it was too damaged. Eventually, it had to be amputated.
That, however, was the beginning of a story about the care and dedication of an amazing charity and the courage and hopes of a determined young boy.
When his health improved, he was referred to a Kandahar rehabilitation centre run by Humanity & Inclusion (HI), a charity supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
The specialists there prepared a prosthesis and Enayatullah began rehabilitation therapy. During the first of those sessions he was anxious and afraid, still traumatised by the explosion and its aftermath. But he gradually learned to trust the team and, with the support of his family, began to work hard on his physiotherapy exercises.
He was provided with walking aids and attended prosthesis fittings until the prosthetic limb was ready for use. Remarkably, he is now walking again and over the next few years, he will continue to attend the centre for any necessary repairs and replacements as he grows.
For millions worldwide, access to physiotherapy and other types of rehabilitation after illness or injury is not readily available. And when it is, it is often unaffordable.
That means people live in pain or with permanent impairments daily. It also prevents millions from earning a living, which is a monumental challenge for themselves, their families and their communities.
HI has an enormous challenge on its hands but thanks to players' support more than £1 Million has been awarded by Postcode Global Trust to the charity for children such as Enayatullah so they can have access to rehabilitation, go to school and lead their lives. HI runs 62 similar rehabilitation projects in 35 countries worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation figures, 2.4 billion people live with a health issue that would benefit from rehabilitation. Yet, more than 50% cannot access these essential services in low- and medium-income countries. With rising global conflicts, natural disasters and ageing populations, the problem is only growing.
George Graham, Chief Executive of Humanity & Inclusion UK, said, "Neglecting rehabilitation in global health systems harms millions. Thanks to support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, we are transforming lives.
"We are also delighted with the international commitment from the World Health Assembly, where 194 countries have passed a landmark resolution that will commit them for the first time to develop and strengthen rehabilitation in their health systems - this will help to continue to change the lives of millions."
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said, "Helping children such as Enayatullah reclaim their lives and embrace a future filled with hope and possibilities not only reminds us of the transformative power of rehabilitation but also shows what can be achieved with player support, where communities in the UK and around the world get the help they need."
Today, Enayatullah has rediscovered his zest for life. He is walking unaided. Thanks to his prosthesis he can move around, play with his friends, go to school and visit relatives with his family.
He has a future and thanks to a special team of people, he still has his dream that one day he can get behind the wheel of that truck.
Making A Difference
People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Humanity & Inclusion UK make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities which our players support.
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Published: 21/08/2023
