A young energetic little girl whose determination to run with a pink prosthetic blade will be an honorary starter at the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k.
The 8-year-old Anupurba Saha was born with her umbilical cord wrapped tightly around her leg, cutting off the blood’s circulation.
The West Midlands Rehabilitaion Centre in Selly Oak, where the youngest receives regular assessment, physiotherapy and prosthetic support, have given her unique pink prosthetic sports blade.
Anu became an internet star in 2017 when a video of her running on her blade in the playground captured the hearts of millions around the world.
She has also been nominated for a Brummies Award, featured on BBC children’s TV and taken part in the Simplyhealth Junior Great Birmingham Run at the iconic Alexander Stadium.
To recognise her remarkable outlook on life Anu will be an Honorary Starter at next month’s Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k, which takes place on Sunday May 26.
She has also inspired her dad Anirban to sign up for the 10k for the first time.
Birmingham Community Healthcare (BCHC) is looking to harness the ‘power of 10’ to raise funds for all kinds of extras to improve patients’ experience of care by assembling a 10-strong team of committed colleagues to tackle the 10k course.
The centre is part of a wide set of specialist services provided for adults and children by BCHC at the Selly Oak facility and at nearby Moseley Hall Hospital.
Anu’s dad Anirban said: “As a family, we have very personal experience of the quality of care provided at West Midlands Rehabilitation Centre.
“Anu has attended for several years for assessment, treatment and support with her prosthetics and I can honestly say the welcome is so warm and the team so caring that it almost feels like one big family.”
BCHC Charity fundraising assistant Stacey Taylor added: “We’re really looking forward to teaming up with Anu’s family and taking on the challenge of tackling the 10k.
“The money we raise will help fund a range of projects that will improve patients’ experience of care and we’re very grateful to everyone who supports us.”
The new Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k route will be a Bank Holiday Weekend celebration of Birmingham as it passes some of the most famous landmarks in the city centre.
Find out more about the Birmingham Community Healthcare 10k team at bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/charity
