Amputee actors celebrate 10 years

Amputees in Action hosted the evening at Shaw House, with a raffle and honesty bar that raised £758.72 towards charity Legs4Africa, which supplies prosthetic legs to amputees in Africa.
Newbury MP Richard Benyon attended the celebration, which featured the unveiling of a new commemorative logo for the organisation and guests were entertained by caricatures, a jester, wandering minstrels and a special presentation on the group’s 10-year history.
Managing director John Pickup said he was “delighted” that the agency had reached 10 years.
“We were very pleased to have shared the celebrations with amputee artists registered with the company and also our clients,” he said.
“The evening was a great success and we thank everyone who came. We hope the next 10 years are as successful as the first.”
The company began in Thatcham in 2004 in a small bedroom office, under the guidance of Mr Pickup, but has since grown to include a portfolio of more than 300 amputees.
The business has provided amputee actors for film and television, including 28 Weeks Later, Shaun of the Dead and Doctor Who.
It also provides battlefield simulations for military personnel to enable them to better cope with injuries that may be caused by explosive devices.