BRECON-based Chiropodist, Graham Blackledge, has recently been recognised by the well renowned and respected ‘Institute of Chiropodists & Podiatrists’ for his long-standing service and contributions to the society during the past 25 years.

Receiving the Long Service Award, Graham told the Brecon & Radnor Express: “It has certainly been a real privilege to have worked in private practice within the Brecknock and Radnorshire communities, I consider myself very lucky to not only have worked in such an area of outstanding beauty but especially more so at the way the whole community has always supported and welcomed me. I profusely thank them all!”

Graham’s work with the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists goes back many years. On behalf of the institute, Graham would lecture other delegates about many skin conditions of the lower leg, specifically a parasitic infection called ‘Subcutaneous Larva Migrans’.

With many of the treatments deemed to be too risky in the case of potential side effects, the general medical consensus was a distinct no treatment, leaving the patient in a lot of discomfort. Therefore, Graham developed and had considered successes by utilising topical cryotherapy by applying liquid nitrogen directly onto the skin where the parasite was presumed to be, having followed the tracking on the skin formulating its direction and thereby whereabouts.

Despite his 25 years in the field, Graham remains enthusiastic about his profession and says he has no plans to retire.

“The years have certainly passed very quickly, however the community can remain assured that I intend to continue practising for the foreseeable future. I have always tried my very best for all my patients and will continue to do so. New patients are always welcome,” he said.

“Attending to my clinics in Glasbury and Brecon whilst also attending the many nursing, residential homes I service, and also my domiciliary home visits keep me budy and I have no intention of retiring yet! Here’s to the next 25 years!”

For prospective patients or any advice, call Graham on 01874 610420