Nirmala, 8: “I’ll be a great actress when I grow up”

Say HI to an extraordinary child. Say hello to Nirmala.

Nirmala loves sliding down bannisters, playing with her friends and spending far too much time glued to a screen. Just an ordinary 8-year-old!

Except, one year ago Nirmala lost her right leg when a wall fell on her during the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Her leg was trapped under heavy rubble but some neighbours pulled her out and she was rushed to the trauma centre in Bir hospital, Kathmandu. The hospital was in chaos, overwhelmed with injured people.

Nirmala was among the first earthquake survivors to undergo a life-saving amputation that day. She was only 7 at the time.

But since then, thanks to our physiotherapists, she's not just learned to walk again, but also how to laugh.

Help a child like Nirmala walk again. Every £1 you give counts, every step counts

Amazing progress, one step at a time

Nirmala quickly began emergency rehabilitation sessions with our team, to strengthen her leg muscles and regain balance. Her positive attitude helped speed up her recovery from day one. She soon started to enjoy life again and play with the other children.

While in hospital, Nirmala met Khendo, a six-year-old girl who also lost her leg in the earthquake. The two soon became saathi (friends) and have helped each other through the rehabilitation process.

“They have made great progress. Nirmala has shown enthusiasm and great will power. She gives Khendo confidence and never backs down from a challenge. They have a deep friendship and it is helping with the rehabilitation process”, explains their physiotherapist, Sudan Rimal.

Her parents were grateful for the support. “It’s a big relief. The physiotherapists take care of Nirmala every single day. They tell us how to use the crutches and the sort of care we can provide. The help they give our daughter is essential.”

For the first few months following her surgery, Nirmala lived in the hospital with her parents, whose house was completely destroyed by the earthquake. They had nowhere else to go, and no way of making a living. Their other daughter, a cleaner, and two sons, who are tailors, give them a little money.

They felt unsure about what the future might hold for their daughter. “We’re hoping for the best, we’d like her to do her studies. But we’re wondering what’s going to happen to her. Will she manage to fit in? Will she feel different?”

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