Lisa Williams and Natalie Rooney

Sisters Lisa Williams and Natalie Rooney from Kent share more than just a close bond — they also share a diagnosis of Hereditary Sensory Neuropathy Type 1, a condition that falls under the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease umbrella.

For Lisa, the first signs appeared at just 15, when what seemed like harmless hard skin under her left toe turned into an ulcer. She was referred to a neurologist, who confirmed the condition. A few years later, when Natalie developed black toenails from the wrong sized shoes, she too was referred and received the same diagnosis at 19.

The news was difficult for their mum, especially as their dad had already faced consequences of the condition, including bilateral amputations below the knee.

As the sisters moved through their twenties, the condition gradually worsened. Both began tripping frequently due to drop foot and faced daily challenges with walking as well as sensory loss. Lisa was eventually given metal callipers to help her walk — but they came with a psychological weight.

31 years ago, came a turning point. Lisa read an article about a patient, who thanked Dorset Orthopaedic for her silicone prosthesis. “Dad thought, I wonder if they could make something for you out of silicone?” Lisa called Dorset Orthopaedic’s Ringwood clinic and spoke to Dorset Orthopaedic founder, Bob Watts.

What followed was a pioneering collaboration. For over six months, Lisa, her dad, and the Dorset Orthopaedic team designed what would become the Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis (SAFO) — a lightweight, bespoke orthosis that fit into regular shoes and allowed Lisa to walk without the bulky appearance of metal callipers.

“The SAFO was life-changing,” said Lisa. “It meant I didn’t feel disabled; it didn’t rub, it fit in all my shoes! I could wear them all day, indoors and out. It gave me my freedom back.”

When Natalie developed drop foot at 23, she too turned to Dorset Orthopaedic and was fitted with SAFOs by Matt Hughes, now the Managing Director of Dorset Orthopaedic. As two of the very first people to help create the SAFO, the sisters take pride in the impact it’s had. “It’s amazing to think that what started as a vision has helped thousands of people around the world,” said Lisa. “It gave us freedom. And if it’s given that freedom to other people, that’s incredible.”

Recently, as her drop foot worsened, Natalie returned to the Ringwood clinic to see orthotist Kim Pickering. Kim created bespoke AFOs designed to help correct her ankles from rolling out, Natalie is now trialling them to see how well they work. “I’ve had so many falls and spent a lot of time in a wheelchair,” said Natalie. “If these AFOs allow me to walk more safely and independently, it will make a huge difference.”

Outside the clinic, Lisa and Natalie are determined to make the most of every moment. Lisa works as a teaching assistant in a breakfast and after-school club, loves to travel —and enjoys going out with friends and her partner. Family life is just as busy, with Lisa raising two daughters and Natalie juggling life with her 16-year-old twins and spending as much time as possible with her husband and children.

“We know there will come a point where we won’t be able to do all the things we can now, so we’re packing in as much as we can,” said Natalie. “We love making memories and finding the comedy in life. Things can get heavy, so we laugh as much as possible.”

For others living with drop foot, Lisa and Natalie have clear advice: “Don’t just accept the first thing you’re offered. Do your research, try different devices, and see what works for you. Everyone’s different, it’s about having the choice.”