My wife Sarah and I both lead a very active lifestyle, enjoying a variety of sports, including Mountain Biking, Running, Walking and Skiing. It's easy to take all of this for granted, however I personally do not...

I was born with Talipes in both feet in 1975. As per the children in my picture gallery, my ankle bones were completely turned over, such that if I were to put my feet to the floor, I would be walking on the top of my ankles.

Talipes is a completely preventable foot disorder. In the developed world, treatment involves utilisation of the non-surgical Ponseti method which corrects the feet abnormality in 95% of presented cases. For the 5% of non-corrected cases, surgical intervention is available quickly and effectively. In the UK, I know that a child born with the same condition will be treated from birth and will undoubtedly go on to lead a completely normal life. In non-developed countries, children affected by this disorder are often left untreated, leading to severe pain, inability to walk and social exclusion. 

Talipes or Clubfoot is a complex, congenital deformity of the foot also known as ‘congenital talipes equinovarus’ (CTEV) caused by the abnormal development of a baby’s bones, ligaments and muscles. Visually, the foot affected appears to be twisted inwards and downwards. The deformity will feel ‘fixed’ – not able to be corrected manually and will not resolve on its own.

The exact causes of clubfoot are not known. Scientific studies have found that familial inheritance, genetics and environment are all likely to be factors, but exactly how this happens is not well understood.

80% of the 200,000 children born each year with clubfoot around the world are born in low and middle income countries. Many will never receive treatment.

Please take a minute to view the photos and video in my gallery below...

But the world can change for these children. More and more clinicians in developing countries are being trained in, and are using the Ponseti method to treat them. For the majority of children treated, this means they can now walk, run, play with their friends and grow up to lead a normal, active and healthy life.

The Ponseti method is considered the gold standard treatment in most developed countries and can easily be applied in the Third World due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It does not require a surgeon, and in most cases, cures the initial disability within 12 weeks of treatment. This approach is successful in 95% of cases, restoring normal appearance and full functionality of the feet.

I was one of the first to receive the Ponseti method in the UK, with both of my feet being encased in plaster 24 hours after being born.

In addition to the Ponseti treatment, and due to the severity of my particular Talipes, in February 1977, both of my feet were operated on, stretching my achilles Tendons and adjusting the overall feet bone structure.

In 1984, my right foot was again operated on, the tendon was once again stretched and the bones in my foot straightened and then pinned in place. In 1994, I had further surgery on my left foot. I knew this operation would be more difficult as by now, the bones in my foot had stopped growing. I recall the surgeon telling me of the distinct possibility of fusing my anklebone, however luckily this was not required and a simple stretching of the tendon and some minor soft tissue surgery was all that was completed.

Since then, I have not required further surgery, and aside from wearing shoes out incredibly quickly, and the odd knee, hip or back pain, I have no real ongoing problems. I know this is thanks to the early intervention of the Ponseti treatment.

Feet First Worldwide is part of a global programme for the recognition and management of club foot worldwide. We would like every child born with club foot to be diagnosed at birth, and have access to treatment. 

We would also like to provide training for surgeons to manage neglected cases of club foot, and even provide more basic surgical skills training where needed.

In order to do this, we need to educate local nurses and surgeons, and set up dedicated national screening and management programmes. This needs to be supported by refresher courses and audits to monitor the effectiveness of the education programme. 

It costs £150 to treat a Talipes in a child using the Ponseti method, with £30 to train a field-worker. Please dig deep and donate now, it really is a life-changing treatment.