A Moray mum is looking forward to a new and improved family life – after the “blessing” of having a leg amputated.
Amanda Stevenson has suffered from ulcers in her right leg since childhood, which became worse as she got older.
The condition can cause blood poisoning and her worried relatives say the 34-year-old nearly died on two occasions in the past five years.
After the birth of her fourth child last year, Mrs Stevenson became so ill that she was rushed to hospital in London.
From there, she was transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – where she has remained bedridden since last November.
Weeks ago, doctors broke the news that all attempts to treat her right leg had failed and that the limb would have to be removed.
However, Mrs Stevenson’s husband said she viewed the life-altering event as a blessing, and her family is now making plans to have her home for Christmas.
Scott Stevenson, 35, said: “Every doctor tried everything they could, and if they didn’t remove the leg then it would have cost my wife her life.
“The ulcers can cause septicaemia, so taking it off was the only answer.
“I have been getting the bus to Aberdeen to visit her three times a week, and although they talk on the phone, the children are all really missing her.
“Amanda is a devoted mum, so missing last Christmas and birthdays have been hard on her.
“She hates being in hospital and away from the kids, so now she is raring to go and we want her home by Christmas.
“Now the leg is gone we don’t have to worry about these ulcers anymore, and we can look forward to things without that weight on our minds.”
Mrs Stevenson was brought up in Burghead, but has spent most of her life in Elgin.
The couple have four children, 13-year-old Cayla, seven-year-old Tye, three-year-old Leo and Riley, who is one.
Cayla has cerebral palsy, so their home on Elgin’s Logan Court is already adapted for wheelchair use.
Meanwhile, Mrs Stevenson’s friends are clubbing together to help purchase an electric wheelchair for her to use to get out and about once she is home.
Susan Halliwell has launched an online fundraiser to amass the £2,000 required, at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/susan-halliwell-1
