A RHYL inventor has earned national recognition for 3D printing the path to freedom for an amputee.

Martin Rees, a volunteer with the Remap, has won the charity’s Founders Award after helping Eilian Pritchard, of Penysarn on Anglesey, to get out and about using a specially designed custom walker.

Mr Rees – who is paralysed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair – pursues design and invention as a hobby during retirement, volunteering with the North-East Wales panel of the charity where he adapted a three wheel walker to meet Mr Pritchard’s specific needs.

He said: “I really enjoy volunteering with Remap, as it gives me an opportunity to put my practical skills to good use, solving problems and making things for people.

“Winning the national award was the icing on the cake.”

The charity relies on skilled volunteers such as Mr Rees to custom build equipment for disabled people, helping them achieve independence and a better quality of life with innovative advice and design solutions.

For Mr Pritchard, who has had his right hand amputated, a conventional walker cannot be safely or easily used with one hand – presenting additional challenges in walking independently.

The inventor’s award-winning design adapts a three-wheeled walker frame, featuring a modified right handle bar with a socket shaped for his arm.

The case was referred to Remap by occupational therapist Jan Costa who said: “I knew what Mr Pritchard needed so I contacted Martin, who converted my idea into a fully functional design.”

Mr Rees added: “In this case I used 3D printing and metal to adapt the walker for Mr Pritchard.

“New volunteers are always welcome at our group, as are fresh challenges from disabled people who may need a custom-made solution to help them to be more independent.”