Remap, which stands for the Rehabilitation Engineering Movement Advisory Panel, is more commonly known as Royal Engineers Make Anything Possible.

Remap is a charity which designs and makes, or adapts, equipment for people with disabilities.

The charity was formed by Pat Johnson, who in 1964 was working as a Royal Engineer. Pat had a sister who suffered from polio as a child, leaving her with difficulties moving about, and confining her to a wheelchair.

Pat created a ramp for his sister to help her get up to the front door of her bungalow, and made an electric hoist with a track that ran down her hallway and bathroom to give her easier access. These feats of engineering made a significant difference to his sister’s life on a day to day basis.

This led Pat to the creation of Remap; a national charity consisting entirely of volunteers, who use their experience and skills to help individuals with disabilities with equipment when they have no other suitable alternative.

Although a national charity, the work of different county’s is autonomous. Steve Hackett is the chairman of Remap in Herefordshire and an agricultural engineer who taught at a university college for over 20 years. Steve explained to the Ross Gazette that the Herefordshire team raises money to fund their deeds locally, with supporters including the Hereford Round Table and Bulmers. Steve said: “every £1 donation we get is worth £20 for the service that we provide to people with disabilities for free.”

At Remap there are a range of local engineers who specialise in different areas; some are mechanical engineers, some electrical, and others are just really good at DIY and are able to make a difference.

Ross-on-Wye residents who have benefitted from Remap include Josh, who suffers from cerebral palsy. His program of physiotherapy after specialist spinal surgery included the use of a treadmill. Terry, a Herefordshire Remap engineer, made a set of adjustable handrails, which adapted an adult machine for his use and enabled him to safely carry out a range of exercises, including walking sideways. The rails were made with the assistance of two local companies.

Local resident Angela found it difficult to peg items onto her normal height washing-line. Les, another Herefordshire engineer, adapted a trailer winch so that the line could be lowered to the desired height and raised easily even when fully loaded with washing.

Although mainly consisting of engineers, there are many other volunteer roles at Remap. The charity is currently looking for fundraisers and publicists to help raise money and make the charity more widely known in Herefordshire. To get in contact with Remap about their help, volunteering or donating, visit: www.remapherefordshire.wordpress.com