GEORGE NEWS - Former national sprinter Joseph van der Linde (47) believes support from fellow amputees can make a significant difference to someone adjusting to life after limb loss.

Van der Linde shared his experience during the amputee support meeting at Redberry Farm on Saturday 11 July.

He lost his leg in a farming accident in the Highveld in 2004 while harvesting grain. At the time, he was 25 and ranked fifth in South Africa in both the 100m and 200m sprint events.

After receiving a prosthetic leg, he returned to athletics and just two years later, won a bronze medal at the World Para Athletics Championships.

Although he credits his sporting background with helping his physical recovery, he believes emotional support from people who have experienced amputation themselves is equally important. 

"You have doctors and prosthetists, but they don't live with the reality of being an amputee every day," he said. "The advantage of a support group is that there are people who have already walked the road. It provides both physical and emotional support."

For him, the biggest factor in adapting to life after amputation is maintaining the right attitude. "A positive attitude towards yourself, other people and the world around you will have a significant impact on how you deal with your amputation," he said.

He believes the newly established George support group will give amputees a safe space to share experiences, learn from one another and realise they are not facing the journey alone.

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