Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has praised a Denbighshire businessman who turned a personal childhood tragedy into a business opportunity and is now supplying his goods to the NHS and exporting to other countries.
Darren recently visited former Paralympic swimmer and medallist, Mark Williams, of LIMB-art, based in Bylchau near Denbigh, which supplies and designs leg covers for all users of above and below knee prostheses.
Mark founded the company almost six years ago, and it is thriving.
His designs are created in Prestatyn and the moulds in Colwyn Bay.
The company have around 10 designs that customers can choose from, but they can also create one off custom pieces too.
Following his visit, Darren said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit Mark and to hear the inspirational story behind his business.
“In 1982, aged 10, Mark lost his left leg following a car accident whilst riding his bike home from school, which resulted in him having to wear a prosthetic leg. But instead of this life-changing injury impacting his life negatively, Mark went from a self-confessed shy boy who couldn’t swim, to a confident athlete winning medals at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics and 1989 Miami World Championships.
“In 2018, along with his wife Rachael, he founded LIMB-art, which was born out of an overwhelming desire to help other prosthetic users raise their confidence.
“Designed for all users of above and below knee prostheses, LIMB-Art leg covers combine superior quality material and construction with cutting edge design and technology to provide robust, affordable and above all cool leg covers. Having seen the unique designs I am not surprised they are so popular and that LIMB-art is supplying to the NHS in all parts of the UK, as well as exporting.
“I am very proud to have such a thriving design and manufacturing business based here in Clwyd West.”
Mark said:
“Our mission is to help users Stand Out and Stand Proud. Our covers restore balance to the silhouette, without trying to blend in or hide, and can be instrumental in raising confidence and self-esteem.
“Prostheses have, over recent years, come on in leaps and bounds functionally. However, aesthetics seem to be generally overlooked. Our covers aim to change this. They are an accessory which is lightweight (typically less than 250g), easy to fit over the prosthetic and are durable.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved in the past six years, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to tell Darren all about our business and how is has grown, and continues to grow, during his visit.”
