London: (By Hannah Chowdhry) On 18th July 2022, we appealed for donations to cover costs for a new prosthetic leg for Aleeza Masih. Aleeza is enetering a period of growth that means she now requires a replacement prosthetic leg every 6 months or she will feel excessive pain.

Ashiq Masih (52 yrs) her father was hoping to have the leg replaced before Aleeza restarted her learning at “Excellence English Medium School”, where mobility is needed.

However the leg could not be replaced in time as the road from Quetta to Karachi was blocked, due flood damage caused by monsoon rains in Baluchistan. The delay left Aleeza in severe pain as could be seen in the video below:

Ashiq Masih informed us that Aleeza was not able to walk with her previous prosthetic leg because the pain was debilitating, even short use was resulting in unbearable pain. Ashiq  Masih, said:

We were helpless in the wake of the heavy monsoon.

“The flood caused devastating road damage on a massive scale, travel was prohibited on many major thoroughfares.

“We had to wait until the roads had been repaired for safe transportation.

“During that time Aleeza’s leg was very swollen and painful.”

On 15th August the family were finally able to travel to Karachi for the replacement prosthetic leg. Their safe arrival meant Aleeza was able to be sized correctly, had the bespoke leg prepared and then on 18th August finally the prosthetic was fitted.

Fitting the new leg came as welcome relief for Aleeza who had been feeling terrible pain due to the previous leg which had become too short. She said:

“I am so happy for having this new leg.

“I have not been able to go to school because of the pain I was feeling.

“My school started on 1st August and I will have to catch up.

“But at least I have my leg now and can look forward to meeting and playing with my friends again.”

Her mother Shamim Bibi (50 yrs) thanked BACA for helping the family arrange a new leg for Aleeza.  She has asked for us to remember that Aleeza will need help again in December 2022.  Cost for the new prosthetic, including travel and board for a  journey of  692km or 10 hours,  is around £500.  If you can help us reach this figure and want to support the family please donate by clicking (here).

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:

“We have cared for Aleeza since she almost died in the Quetta Bomb attack at 1.5 years of age.

“Her recovery then was very much a miracle as she survived amputation of her leg due to severe gangrene after a botched operation on her bowel and foot..

“We pledged then that we would support young Aleeza till she reached adulthood and by God’s grace we have been able to meet our promise.

“Aleeza is a bright, intelligent child who has not let her disability dampen her enthusiasm for life.

“She also has remarkable faith for a child and can pray with better vigour than most adults.”