Walid Saleh

What began as an experience that completely changed Walid’s life eventually guided him toward a future shaped by resilience and a growing sense of purpose.

Growing up in Sudan, Walid was an energetic and passionate footballer who played competitively within his local community. Football shaped his identity and everyday life. “I used to be a very active person and played a lot of football in my local community. It is all I knew and all I spoke about with my friends,” said Walid.

At just 15 years old, his life changed forever. Shortly after finishing school, Walid was caught in the middle of a conflict and sustained a devastating injury that resulted in the amputation of his leg. While recovering in hospital, he experienced a moment that stayed with him. “I remember the first time standing up and looking at myself in the mirror. I could still feel my leg, but I could not see it. This to me was really shocking,” said Walid. He had never seen another amputee before and struggled to comprehend his new reality.

Life after the amputation was extremely challenging. Walid was given a basic, non-custom prosthetic leg that was heavy, uncomfortable and caused painful skin problems. Despite this, he pushed himself to adapt both physically and emotionally. “It was my only option. I was forcing myself to learn how to walk again without any physio or support,” said Walid.

At 17, Walid moved to the UK and began rebuilding his life. With support from a social worker, he was introduced to Dorset Orthopaedic where he received a properly fitted prosthetic leg, along with home adaptations to support his independence. He then focused on his education, learning English, completing his GCSEs and attending college in Uxbridge, London. Walid went on to graduate from university with a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics and now works as an Orthotist at Basingstoke Hospital, supporting other amputees. “The best part of my job is being able to help people like me, support them, and receive amazing feedback from those I have helped,” said Walid.

While studying at university, Walid discovered the story of Dorset Orthopaedic Patient, Milly Pickles, a motivational speaker and disability advocate, which inspired him to explore running with blades. Determined to pursue this goal, he applied to the Richard Whitehead Foundation and received his first running blade in 2019. “I wrote a mini vision board aiming to get a running blade either through the Richard Whitehead Foundation or by saving up to buy one,” said Walid.

Since then, Walid has trained relentlessly with a coach and independently to build strength and refine his technique. His ambition is to compete as a professional Paralympian and to be recognised for his athletic achievements rather than his disability. “My goal is to be known for my achievements in running, not because of my injury,” said Walid. “Running gives me the freedom of being myself. I understand the challenge of trying to improve, and I do not think about my injury while I am running. When I am running, I do not feel disabled,” he added.

Walid is now the fastest single above‑knee amputee in the UK. He is currently ranked number one in the 100‑metre event and number two in long jump, which places him 14th in the world. He is also now an international padel player.

Throughout his journey, Walid has held onto the words his mother shared with him. “Everything happens for a reason, and there is a reason why I lost my leg. I just had to be patient,” said Walid.

Today, Walid continues to push forward, not only for himself but for others on a similar path. His advice is simple yet powerful. “Take your time with the healing process. You may not see the clear picture right now, but everything happens for a reason,” said Walid.