Acknowledgements

The creation of Root2Being has involved many, many hours of preparation. This has not just been in terms of writing the content, but encompasses the initial thought processes, my personal experiences as I went through Functional Orthotic Therapy and the research that was necessary in order for me to first learn and then truly understand what I knew I wanted to write.

Although it has been my own personal dream and ambition to create a website that shared this valuable information, this simply would not have been possible without the experience, enthusiasm, help, support and dedication of three very talented people.

My partner who, with his skills as a web designer, programmer and interface architect has not simply built the website, but built the functionality that has enabled me to create my own website. His personal guidance, support, sacrifice, love and patience has always been there, from the high points right through to the low ones, and for that I am eternally grateful.

The chiropractor who treated me, with her fantastically in-depth and solid knowledge of foot function and Functional Orthotic Therapy as an holistic healthcare option. Her clinical experience and personal views provided the spark which lit my own desire to create Root2Being in the first place. Ever since, she has been a guiding light, providing a source of inspiration and ever-timely encouragement and support, both materially and spiritually, to see the project to fruition.

Mum, who has struggled with pain for several years of her life, yet her strength of character and determination to cope and carry on whilst still having the energy to try out new therapies, ideas and treatments vehemently outside of medical intervention has been a important influence. The benefical effect that Functional Orthotic Therapy has had on her was another source of inspiration behind the creation of Root2Being. Yet her shock when she realised the severity of my problem stunned me into realising how the effects of an abnormal footshape can go unnoticed, even within a close family unit.

I also wish to thank those who have supported the concept of Root2Being through the provision of articles, drawings, sketches and photographs. In particular, The Orthotic Group for information, images and data on TOG GaitScan and orthoses, and Thomas Michaud, the author of "Foot Orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Care", from which many of the line drawings and sketches have been sourced.