Institution news
After an extensive career dedicated to the design and development of new engines through the Industrial and Marine, and the Civil Aero Engine Divisions in Derby – not to mention many years dedicated to Rolls Royce on advanced gas turbine engines with land, sea and air applications – Mike joined Remap in 2002 upon retirement and to date has completed over 150 original projects with this unique charity.
Founded in 1964, Remap’s aim is to help people achieve independence and a higher quality of life, filling the gap where no suitable equipment is available commercially. With Remap, unique projects are designed and built from a bright idea, and the finished products are then provided free of charge.
We are delighted that IMechE’s Support Network has provided a £10,000 grant to Remap, which has supported our continued efforts to recruit more volunteers, through our Reaching Out Programme.
Mike’s impressive list of unique products, created solely to provide ease for day-to-day living, include:
- a foldaway electric fork-lift truck for use in a kitchen;
- an adaptation of a manual wheelchair for one-handed operation;
- a fold-away electric step lift;
- a voice-controlled folding arm that carries a mouth-operated computer mouse;
- several ramps of unique design, to provide access for wheelchair users in challenging situations.
"On a personal level, the satisfaction of solving a client’s tricky problem with a simple but elegant and functional device is a significant bonus.
Mike Banks
A Remap project close to Mike’s heart is one of his first – an automatic page-turner for children’s books. His local hospital, the Royal Derby Hospital, is home to the Ronnie MacKeith Child Development Centre which focuses on the development of children and young people with complex special needs, many of whom immensely enjoy reading. At that time, the books were held by occupational therapists who would turn the pages for the young readers, however, the centre was keen to facilitate their independence and foster their love of reading.
Remap was approached by the NHS to provide a solution, and Mike successfully delivered his finished project – an experience-enhancing, page-turning device that was warmly welcomed at the Ronnie MacKeith Centre, and also ignited his 20 year volunteering journey which we are all so proud to celebrate.
The rewards are considerable, particularly when you see the look of sheer amazement on your client’s face when they suddenly regain an ability, they thought they had lost forever or gain a new ability they thought they would never have!
Mike Banks
Remap is rapidly expanding and always welcomes new volunteers and projects – Could you join Remap’s growing army of ingenious inventors, and use your skills to help make more things possible for people living with a disability?
Find out how you can become a Remap volunteer - www.remap.org.uk/volunteer-for-remap