A campaign by Marbella adaptive surfing champion Sarah Almagro’s family has helped bring healthcare arrangements for children facing major amputations across Andalucia.

New Andalucia network brings specialists together

Andalucia has put its new Care Network for Minors with Major Amputation and an Autonomous Committee of Specialists into operation. The system creates common guidance for surgery, rehabilitation and prosthetic care, replacing informal coordination.

Now included in Andalucia law, the framework also provides a permanent commission to oversee the protocol after Ismael, Sarah’s father, went through a living hell watching his daughter contract meningitis and lose her limbs in hospital. Ismael Almagro began pushing for change after his daughter’s treatment proved difficult to coordinate. Sarah underwent four operations, and her family wanted other parents to avoid that uncertainty.

“The priority of this fight, over so many years, has been to prevent another family going through the helplessness and avoidable suffering we lived through,” Ismael said.

Five to seven cases each year

Major amputations among children and teenagers are rare in Andalucia, averaging five to seven cases each year which the family suggests is too many.

A new surgical consultation committee will allow plastic surgeons, trauma specialists and rehabilitation doctors to assess cases together before planned surgery. One key consideration will be shaping the remaining limb with future prosthetic use in mind, reducing further operations.

Each child will also be entered into a regional register, tracking functional results, body symmetry and quality of life. Families will have a case manager to coordinate hospital care, rehabilitation and prosthetic paperwork.

Wider support for young patients

Care will not stop when surgery is completed. Paediatric oncology, infectious diseases, physiotherapy and mental health support can all be involved where needed.

Malignant tumours account for more than half of acquired cases among teenagers, according to information supplied about the new system.

For Ismael, the new network turns a painful family experience into change for others. Sarah has meanwhile continued making headlines through adaptive surfing, most recently winning the 2026 Pantin Classic in Galicia.

Fancy singing, making friends and having a good laugh along the way? T.A.P.A.S. choir is welcoming new members as rehearsals get underway again following its summer break.

After several weeks away during the hottest part of the year, the group is getting back together at the Alhaurin Golf clubhouse for another season of music, performances and fun socialising.

What makes T.A.P.A.S. particularly appealing is that you do not need to consider yourself a great singer to join. This is very much a social group, where enjoying yourself and being part of the team matter far more than hitting every note perfectly.

The group has been going for 22 years and must now be the most multinational group on the Costa del Sol, or anywhere in Spain, for that matter. Whether you have sung in a choir before, only sing in the shower or simply fancy trying something completely different, new members are encouraged to get involved.

Music, laughter and friendship

Rehearsals provide a chance to learn and practise songs together, but T.A.P.A.S. is about much more than standing in a room and singing and being together. Members can look forward to a programme of choir events and performances during the coming months, together with plenty of opportunities to socialise away from rehearsals. For Costa del Sol residents, groups like this can be a brilliant way to meet new people and build friendships.

No pressure to be pitch perfect

There is no need to worry about auditions or having a polished singing voice before turning up. The emphasis is on taking part, enjoying the music and sharing the experience with other members.

Rehearsals are held in the rehearsal room at Alhaurin Golf clubhouse, with the group meeting at 5pm. Anyone interested in joining should contact T.A.P.A.S. through its Facebook group for more information about rehearsals and becoming a member.

With the new season now beginning, it could be the perfect time to put aside any worries about whether you can sing and simply give it a go. You might even discover that your next favourite hobby comes with a ready-made group of friends.