Each year, there are about 60 babies born in the UK missing part of one or both arms and hands. This is not drug induced like thalidomide, perhaps the best-known cause of such abnormalities, but for a variety of congenital reasons. There has been research in to the causes but that is not our immediate concern for funding. The problem is that each year about 60 families - parents, siblings, and grandparents - are devastated by the knowledge that their child is different and will never be totally two handed. 60 families may seem a small number but to each of these families it is shattering and Reach needs funding to 'reach' these people to provide support and information as early as possible to help them get round it. Founded by parents of these children in 1978, Reach aims to provide affected families with the opportunity to get together, share experiences and information on what to do (or not to do) and where to go for advice regarding treatment for the many manifestations of deficiency - ranging from artificial limbs, appliances or necessary surgery.

The Reach Trustee Board is composed of Reach parents who give their time voluntarily with one full time paid administrator. We need funding to ensure we can continue to offer support to our existing members, continue to ensure Doctors, Midwifes, Health Visitors and other professionals who may be involved with these families and new births are well informed and also to continue our links with the Manufacturers of Artificial Limbs.

We also provide a hire service for one-handed recorders. One of the first musical instruments offered to children is the recorder and for our children it can often be the first time they come across an obstacle they can't get around, a school activity from which they would have to be excluded if it was not for these specially adapted recorders. The recorders cost over £200 each, a cost very few families can afford. Reach purchases the instruments and loans them out for a nominal amount to member families.

1999 saw the launch of a Bursary Scheme, which will allow us to make direct grants to families to help with any costs incurred, related to the child's deficiency. For example, computer equipment for children with no hands; adaptations to sports equipment, bicycles, cars, other musical instruments; costs involved for educational or vocational courses. The success of this Scheme will depend on the available funds.

In the year 2000 Reach took a group of 40 young adults for the first of a confidence building activity holiday. Here they tackled abseiling, canoeing and many other activities to help them realize just how much they can achieve despite their 'difference'. They also had the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with peers that truly understand. This event was so successful that, funds permitting, we hope to run it annually.

We appeal to all two handed people to pause to consider the effect on a child or young adult with one or no hands in a two handed society. Please help, without funding - out of reach!