Well-known prosthetist leaves Lowveld to go abroad
A well-known orthotist and prosthetist, Peter Prowling, who has devoted his life to helping others (including animals), will soon bid the Lowveld farewell to extend his acts of goodwill to the United Kingdom.
Prowling has been living in Mbombela since 1989. From then he has been involved in charity work around several communities, helping people who do not necessarily have the funds to receive something like a prosthesis.
“People come to my practice – some have medical aid, some not, always looking for some kind of help, but not always being able to find it. The equipment we use is very expensive and I’ve been an alternative for most people,” Prowling said.
He speaks passionately about his patients and his profession when asked about the type of cases he has taken on.
“One case that comes to mind particularly was a little girl I saw growing up. Since she was three years old, I’ve supplied her with both her legs. She was born with a birth defect so both were missing. Her parents were desperate because a child’s development depends a lot on going to school and integrating into society.
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“We started her on prosthesis at three years old and when she put them on, she started walking immediately. Since then, as she’s grown older, she’s needed several sets. Her last set was recently, and now she’s a young lady. She walked into my practice holding a younger sibling in her arms. That for me was a wonderful sign that someone’s rehabilitated. That was an absolute highlight in my career.”
Besides helping humans, Prowler has also helped many an animal, ranging from supplying a dog with back legs, to making a leg for a stork.
“An elephant in Sri Lanka lost its leg in a landmine explosion. The team went up and we had to make a prosthesis for the front leg. We measured it and I remember making the leg in a 44-gallon drum. This big rubber leg was made to carry the weight of the elephant and it worked.”
Now Prowling is moving abroad to follow his calling elsewhere. Although his plans are not set in stone, it is clear that he would like to help people in other countries who also do not have the means to get access to prosthesis.
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“The World Health Organisation is something I’m looking into. Statistically near to 26 million people are without some kind of limb. One of the options is to be placed somewhere to establish a clinic or train people in making prosthetics themselves, which is the best. I feel like that would be a great calling for me.”
Before leaving on December 1, Prowling is looking for a loving home for his two dogs, Hutch and Honey. “It’s the hardest thing for me. I go hiking with them and they love the outdoors. I’m looking for someone who is involved with their pets. They preferably have to find a home together because they are really close.”
People who are interested in adopting Hutch and Honey, can contact Prowling on 082 705 1119.
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