A third group of deserving individuals is set to benefit from The Richard Whitehead Foundation Beneficiaries Programme thanks to ongoing support from the Nissan Possibilities Project and project partners Össur and Proactive Prosthetics.
Nissan believes in making excitement possible for all and in delivering real impact to enrich people’s lives, using its technologies, resources and expertise to create more opportunities for people from under-represented communities.
Since 2021, it has worked with Double Paralympic Gold Medallist and Marathon World Record Holder, Richard Whitehead MBE, to inspire disabled people and help them to become more active.
Now, building on the success of the 2022 and 2024 cohorts, four new beneficiaries – Kirsty, Ryan, Natalie and Curnow – have joined the Programme’s ‘Class of 2025’, meaning they will receive funding for sports prosthetics, plus advice and mentoring to help them achieve their sporting aspirations.
Fiona Mackay, Marketing Director of Nissan Motor GB, commented: “Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed the incredible impact our support can have for individuals. The funding the Nissan Possibilities Project provides enables these individuals to not only receive a state-of-the-art Össur sports prosthetic and become more mobile, but also connects them to a new community of other amputees.
“It’s incredible to see the physical and mental health benefits The Richard Whitehead Foundation Beneficiaries Programme is delivering as our community of beneficiaries grows.
”We’re very much looking forward to following the progress of our Class of 2025 as they adapt to using their new prosthetics.”
The Foundation’s President, Richard Whitehead MBE, commented: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Nissan GB and with the expertise and products of Össur and Proactive to support Kirsty, Ryan, Natalie and Curnow as our Class of 2025, as well as our 2024 beneficiaries, Amy, Charlotte, Daniel and Victoria.
“I know first-hand the positive impact that being active can have, and the difference this programme has made to all involved. With Nissan, Össur and Proactive, we are all passionate about supporting more people living with disabilities to achieve their ambitions.”
An absolute pleasure
Rachel Humpherson, North Europe Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at Össur, said: “When we were first asked to support the Richard Whitehead Foundation three years ago, we were glad to help, not knowing quite how transformative the programme would be.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to see all the beneficiaries receive the products and mentoring they need to grow in confidence and expand their worlds. Our mission is to enable people to live a life without limitations and by being a part of this collaboration with the Richard Whitehead Foundation, Nissan and Proactive, we’re doing exactly that. We look forward to supporting many more people in the future.”
Katy McIntosh, Clinic Manager / Clinical Specialist Prosthetist at Proactive, commented: “We are thrilled to work with this year’s Richard Whitehead Foundation beneficiaries in conjunction with Nissan and Össur. Sport and activity are hugely important in people’s rehabilitation.
“Before becoming an amputee (or having any major injury), it makes up a considerable part of many people’s social life and even their personal identity. The benefits of activity and reintegration into sport is so much farther reaching than just the well documented physical and mental benefits – and something which we at Proactive are keen to support and encourage wherever we can.”
Meet the Class of 2025!
Kirsty
Kirsty was a sporty, competitive teen until a sudden Osteosarcoma diagnosis led to the amputation of her leg at 13. Returning to school, she struggled with confidence, identity, and mental health, hiding her prosthetic for years.
Motherhood gave her purpose, but real change came when she embraced her difference and prioritised her wellbeing.
Meeting other amputees reignited her love for running and helped rebuild her confidence.
Now an audiologist, Kirsty is strong, proud, and focused on inspiring others. She’s learning to run with a blade, aiming to join an athletics club and advocate for inclusivity in disability sport.
Ryan
In 2022, Ryan was a paramedic settling into a new home with his dog when leg pain led to a sarcoma diagnosis. His life changed rapidly: he began chemotherapy and, despite responding well, underwent an above-knee amputation in early 2023.
After finishing treatment, Ryan returned to work in the NHS and adapted to life with a microprocessor prosthetic.
He stays active through fitness and swimming, determined not to let amputation limit him. Now aiming to compete in HYROX events, Ryan is focused on breaking barriers, building confidence, and supporting others with disabilities in the South West.
Natalie
While studying at university, Natalie stepped on glass, leading to sepsis, 13 surgeries, and months in hospital. Though her foot was saved, she endured a decade of chronic pain and mobility issues. Despite this, she pursued whitewater kayaking and adventure sports.
Eventually, she chose elective amputation, which transformed her life. Within months, she was running, climbing, and wakeboarding. Now, five years on, she runs daily and explores Europe’s mountains, though she still manages pain and fatigue.
Natalie hopes the Beneficiaries Programme will enhance her prosthetic use, reduce discomfort, and help her share her love of adventure with her young family.
Curnow
In 2023, Curnow was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer and underwent an above-knee amputation. A lifelong sports enthusiast and P.E. teacher, he found strength in physiotherapy and gradually returned to activity, including playing badminton in a wheelchair.
Two years on, he’s close to joining the GB para-badminton programme, aiming for the European and World Championships. Despite his progress, he remains less active at home than he’d like.
A running prosthetic from the Beneficiaries Programme would boost his training and allow him to be more active with his family, restoring the joy of movement and play in everyday life.