A RALLYING call is going out to former orthopaedic patients to join in the 1999 Bolton Great Hip and Knee Walk and raise much needed funds for research.

The last walk, held at the Royal Bolton Hospital two years ago, raised more than £7,000 for the charity The Wishbone Trust which funds orthopaedic research at local and national levels.

Organisers hope that this year's walk, which is being held at 2pm on Sunday, June 6, will be even more successful and, to add inspiration to the event, the walk will take place around the outside of the impressive Reebok Stadium.

The event is open to anyone who has had a hip or knee replacement operation and will be one mile or less in length.

The last such walk in Bolton attracted 80 walkers of all ages, including an 86 year old!.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Steve Hodgson is the local organiser of this year's walk and he said:

"These operations can make a huge difference to the quality of life of patients, many of whom were previously immobile or in great pain.

"The Wishbone Walk not only raises funds for further research, but demonstrates how successful these operations can be.

"The smiles of our walkers and their families are a great encouragement. We hope many more will join us this year."

More than 300 Bolton area patients a year have joint replacement operations in the private and public sector. All patients regardless of where they have had their operation are welcome to join in this year's walk and raise cash for The Wishbone Trust.

Further details are available from Nafisa Mulla at the Royal Bolton Hospital on Bolton 390343 or Fiona Thornton at the Beaumont Hospital on Bolton 404499.

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