About Positive Bones
Empowering people with limb differences and limb loss.
Our goal is to provide life changing encouragement to those who have suffered limb related injury, illness or congenital limb disability by providing them with access to, and funding for, specialist equipment, prosthesis or services which will enable them to take part in new or existing hobbies and careers post-recovery.
Our story
After 11 years of struggling with multiple failed bone recovery surgeries following bone cancer at 17, Positive Bones founder, Josephine Bridges opted for an amputation in October 2018.
When making her decision she went on a research drive to discover what would be available for her as an amputee through the NHS and what she discovered dis-heartened her.
As an active-woman, taking part in a number of outdoor sports, she realised that whilst the NHS options would be able to get her moving they were unlikely to support her hobbies and those that would keep her active weren’t going to be available for a number of years
Keen to keep up her active life she began researching options outside of the NHS; buying a prosthetic from a private company. The legs available to her privately would not only support her hobbies but actually allow her to do even more.
Her mind was set and she began fundraising for her prosthetic, it was at this point she realised there was a gap in available support. There were a number of charities for children and veterans but nothing specifically to support her as a young adult grow her hobbies and her motivation to recover.
Now Josephine is walking, running, skiing, climbing and more with her very own prosthetic. After fundraising for her leg, through the incredible kindness of others, she decided that she had to find a way to pay-it-forward, to provide others with the same opportunity she had; to encourage recovery, generate motivation and create inspiration after injury or illness.
From this, Positive Bones was born. Not just a charity but a space that makes wellness the goal. This can be as big as supporting someone in funding their own prosthetic or as small as providing a grant to a cyclist looking to purchase a handcycle.
Today Positive Bones provides funding for amputees and those with limb difference so that they can purchase specialist equipment, services and prosthetics that enable and empower them to do the things they love. From prosthetic arms, wheelchairs and trikes to gardening equipment, specialist gym prosthetics and cosmetic covers; Positive Bones has provided funding to many in the limb disability community helping them start, or continue with, the activities they enjoy most.
What’s next?
Looking to the future, Positive Bones has a big goal, not just to provide funding support to others but to create a community of wellbeing support too.
We want to be able to connect those who have recovered with people, product designers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and prosthetists who can support them. Finally, we hope to create a network of volunteers who will encourage recovery, generate motivation and help families through hospital visits, fundraising activities and connecting patients with others in the community who are further along the road to recovery and can provide support.
Positive Bones People
Chair & Trustee
Josephine Bridges is an amputee who started Positive Bones after experiencing first-hand, just how powerful it can be to both mental and physical recovery, when you are able to access equipment that can enable you to live a limitless life after raising funds to buy her own prosthetic leg.
Helen Rajan
Former charity director turned web designer Helen is delighted to bring to Positive Bones both her knowledge of charity start up and growth alongside her passion that everyone can access what they need for physical wellness and outdoor adventure.
James Bridges
As Josephine’s husband, James knows first hand the impact of limb difference. He has 7 years ongoing financial experience and will bring with him the knowledge that he has gained through this. He loves playing darts, brewing beer and travelling.
Gabrielle Kinsella
Gabrielle is a qualified Costs Lawyer, bringing over 9 years experience of legal practice to Positive Bones. She is an avid rugby union fan and also enjoys baking for family and friends.
