Success stories
Bill's invention could come to the Aid of millions
Tuesday 2nd March
A Blackburn man’s ingenuity in trying to help his sick wife could provide a much-needed hand to millions of people who have difficulty walking.
Stair Aid is a specially adapted bannister to which a bar can be attached, helping the user to get up and down stairs safely. It can also be used along level areas for moving around the home.
Twin Valley Homes tenant Bill, now 87, came up with the idea to help his late wife Betty, who had suffered a stroke, to get around their home.
Phil Richards, chief executive of the Prospect Homes Group, spotted the device whilst visiting the couple at their Shadsworth home and advised Bill that he could potentially have a great invention on his hands.
Phil passed the idea to No Limits Eureka, who helped to develop the idea.
Eureka is No Limits’ specialist innovation and technology strand, with expertise in intellectual property and product development among other things.
Eureka linked Bill to engineering firm Polymet, who had the ability to make the product. And they were able to help deliver an exhaustive design and testing process involving occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social services and Lancaster University, the Stair Aid has been unveiled.
The Stair Aid can be supplied for less than a third of the cost of a stair lift and with minimal repair costs this could be a huge boost for any organisation who provide services for the elderly or disabled.
Mr Austin said: “I'm very proud of Stair Aid. It's not that I want to get rich. The inital idea was to help people and that's something I want to continue doing. I like to help people who are disabled."
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