Govind on the right in a navy blazer with a crutch with his arm round his younger brother, both are in front of a green hedge

How Govind is pursuing his dreams with the help of innovative 3D technology

Govind Nambiar was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old. Thanks to Evelina London’s dedicated care, and Govind’s own determination, now at 16 years old he’s a national junior UK champion and dreams of competing at the Paralympics.

By the time Govind was ten years old, he’d already had two major surgeries at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. He currently receives specialist care from the dedicated occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and neurology team.

It was his doctor who suggested he try horse riding to help loosen his tight muscles. Govind says: “As a therapy it is one of the best things you can do, it strengthens all your muscles and improves your overall condition. Horse riding also helps my mental health and lets me escape from reality. The horse is such a therapeutic animal.”

Govind loved horse riding so much, he began to do it regularly. Fast forward to today and he’s winning national dressage championships!

Govind riding a horse, with a crop on his hand and wearing a helmet.

“Horse riding is one of the things where people like me, disabled people, can participate. You aren’t dependent on anyone, and you’re on top of the world,”

Govind’s most recent surgery at Evelina London Children’s Hospital was in 2023, when he had a procedure on his legs and feet to help him walk more easily – and to enhance his horse riding! Since then, Govind was the youngest competitor in the 2024 Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) national championships for dressage and he now has his heart set on competing in the Paralympics.

The surgery was carefully planned by his surgeon, Mr Michail Kokkinakis. At the heart of the surgery’s success was the innovative and charity-funded 3D software which is helping the team to plan delicate surgeries, like Govind’s, before they enter the operating theatre. With the help of this new technology, surgeries can be even more precise.

On top of this, Mr Kokkinakis worked closely with Govind and his mum Kavitha to ensure the operation was tailored to Govind’s needs.

“The 3D software was amazing; it benefits so many young patients and helps the surgeons cater to them specifically, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. It sounds simple, but things like this really do make a huge difference.”

Kavitha, Govind's mum

For Govind, the surgery was “a blessing.” Now, he’s more comfortable walking, and riding.

Govind says he has many good memories of his time in hospital, and that the care he has received from the amazing teams across Evelina London has been remarkable. “I have a good relationship with my hospital teams, so going there is easy for me” he says. “They don’t care that I have a disability, and they always go the extra mile.”

How you helped us be there for Govind

It’s thanks to our generous supporters that we funded the cutting-edge technology that helped to make Govind’s surgery a success. This incredible equipment is helping surgeons to plan ahead, making operations more efficient, effective and successful for our young patients.

Together with your help, Evelina London Children’s Charity is proud to support services for young patients like Govind that can help them to recover well and feel like themselves again – from cutting-edge technologies and soothing therapies, to unlocking the power of play on the wards.

Your support helps to fill each day at Evelina London with incredible moments. They’re transformational, unforgettable, and come in all shapes and sizes. Help create more incredible moments for the children and families who need us – learn more now.

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