Alex Thraxton: BladeXT

In 2018, a car accident left Alex with a brain injury that caused focal dystonia in his left foot and ankle. After years of pain and orthopaedic issues, he decided to undergo an amputation in July 2022, a decision that changed his life. Just two years later, he is not only back on his feet but also excelling beyond what he once thought possible.

Finding Freedom with the Blade XT

“With my Blade XT, I’m able to live an active lifestyle,” Alex explains. Because of his brain injury, he still experiences weakness on his left side when walking. “I need a lightweight foot that is easy for me to swing, and that offers plenty of spring back. This makes walking less tiring for me.”

The Blade XT’s lightweight carbon-fibre design and dynamic response are precisely engineered to reduced fatigue and enhanced walking efficiency. For Alex, this has resulted in more energy to enjoy the activities that matter most to him.

“I’m an avid rock climber, and with the XT, I can descend challenging terrain to access crags when climbing outdoors. It also performs well for me when scrambling up hills in the Peak District.” The Blade XT is designed with split-toe technology that improves stability on uneven terrain, giving Alex confidence in environments that would once have felt impossible.

In 2024, Alex represented Great Britain at the ParaClimbing World Cup in Arco, Italy. “After the competition, we hiked up the Dolomite mountains to go outdoor climbing, something that wouldn’t have been possible without my XT.” The combination of energy return, traction, and waterproof durability makes the Blade XT an ideal partner for such challenges.

Active Every Day: From Work to Play

The versatility of Blade XT allows Alex to use just one prosthesis for various activities. “With my Blade XT, I can go to work on the wards, come home and walk the dog by the lake, and then on the weekend pop out to a festival or go hiking with friends, all with the same leg.”

Previously, Alex worked as an EMT, a role that required high physical performance. After his accident, he doubted whether he would ever return to such an active role in the NHS. But the Blade XT changed that. “My XT lets me keep up with life on the wards, and it’s completely waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about contamination when it comes to spillages.” The device’s waterproof rating ensures confidence in hospital settings, where hygiene is essential.

It has also brought new independence at home. “Another thing that is important to me is how accessible my XT makes showering, as someone who has mobility issues. When I am tired after a long day, manoeuvring around on one leg in the shower can be risky and exhausting. But with the XT, I can stay safely on two feet in the shower with confidence and keep up my independence.” Clinically, this is a significant gain, reducing fall risk and promoting independence in daily living.

Adventures Without Limits

Durability is another benefit of the Blade XT. “Now I don’t have to constantly worry about keeping my prosthetic foot safe and dry. I can get in the lake with my dog when taking him for walks on hot days, and when I get back home, I can spray it down with the garden hose.”

That freedom has been life-changing. “I love that I can come straight from a day at work to a session at the gym or a walk with my dog without having to change my foot.” This versatility lies at the heart of the Blade XT’s design, allowing active users to shift seamlessly between environments and activities.

Big Dreams Ahead

Looking ahead, Alex has ambitious goals. “As a GB climber, I’m aiming to compete in the 2032 Paralympics, and with my XT allowing me to access more locations outside, that dream seems more possible.”

But his ambitions go beyond sport. “I also hope to start a family with my husband next year, and I’m sure that the XT will be invaluable in helping me keep up with toddlers and all the chaos they leave in their wake. I also hope to continue supporting my wheelchair rugby team, The Berkshire Banshees, who have been there for me since my accident in 2018.”

And when he qualifies as a physiotherapist, he hopes to specialise in amputee rehabilitation. “I want to work with other amputees like me.”

Care That Makes a Difference

Alex also attributes his progress to the care he has received. “I’m not an easy patient. I want to be able to do many things, and my stump is a bit complicated. So I’m very grateful for how patient-centred my care has been, and for my prosthetist’s willingness to try out many new ideas with me.”

A Foot That Keeps Up With Life

When asked about his favourite feature, Alex doesn’t hesitate. “The versatility and practicality of it. And the lack of foot shell.”

From climbing mountains to preparing for a career as a physiotherapist, the Blade XT enables Alex to live life his way, active, adventurous, and unstoppable.