Jean Sheargold
"In 2008 I discovered a lump by the ball of my foot. Thinking at first that I must have stubbed my foot, it took a while to realise that the lump had not disappeared. After an X-ray, which failed to show anything suspicious, I eventually had an ultra sound scan which showed a lesion. Afterwards a needle biopsy confirmed that I had a soft tissue cancer called a Sarcoma.
"The only treatment for this type of cancer is amputation – in April I had a section of my left leg below the knee amputated. This has been an eventful journey for myself and my family who have been wonderfully supportive throughout my experience. I have also had tremendous support from friends and my work colleagues in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
"Where I live in Kingswood, Bristol it is very hilly so I find going for a walk difficult, but in 2010 I found out about a product called an 'Echelon' foot, which once correctly fitted, enables easier walking on slopes and hills. After discussions with the manager of my Disablement Service Centre I realised that due to budget constraints I would not get this foot on the NHS and they do not allow patients to self-fund upgrades for prosthetics.
"During a hospital appointment, Christine Millman introduced herself to me, she had been recently appointed as a Sarcoma Specialist nurse and I explained my situation to her. She was very supportive and promised to do all she could to help. Later Christine introduced me to Trish McEntee from the charity Scat to see if they could help and I was very fortunate to receive funding for an Echelon foot. I am now trialling the prosthetic foot, with adjustments being made to suit my mobility needs. I feel so lucky to have received this help which has give me increased mobility and confidence.
"One of our favourite family pastimes is walking the dog with our granddaughter and now I will hopefully be able to walk greater distances over variable terrain with less discomfort.
"Many thanks to Trish McEntee and her team at Scat and the numerous fundraisers who have given me this wonderful gift of increased mobility. Needless to say I am now a fundraiser and will continue to contribute whenever possible."
Jean’s recent update…
"My comfort and mobility has continued to improve when walking, especially on the slopes and hills giving me new experiences and a better quality of life!
"Last September I went on holiday with my family to Cornwall, one of our favourite places to visit. I went with my husband Trevor, daughter Liz, granddaughter Ruby and our dog Buster. It was a little cloudy so we decided to go on a coastal walk rather than risk a shower and a run from the beach.
"After looking at the map we decided to go to the National Trust beach of Kynance Cove.We have read about this fantastic location and it certainly lived up to our expectations. We parked at the top of the hill in the NT car park and realised that as the tide was going out we could access the cove by walking down the winding path and across the rocks to the beach, all the time having terrific views of the sea.
"The steep walk down to the beach and climbing over the rocks would not have been possible without my new foot, it was such an achievement for me and we were all delighted with my progress. We sat outside the café on a bench and we had a well deserved coffee and hot chocolate, whilst enjoying the fabulous views of the sea shore. The weather was not really improving, so after discussing what to do next, we decided to attempt the much longer walk to the Lizard peninsula. This is a wonderful walk, truly up and down dale, crossing streams and climbing over numerous styles with fabulous views of the coastline. It took us a few hours to complete but we all enjoyed the stunning Cornish scenery! At the Lizard there was the welcome site of a restaurant and we ordered lunch and relaxed with a drink.
"The walk back was also interesting as we walked back through the village and cut through different walkways leading to an old railway track and eventually ambled back to the NT car park. This was a welcome sight indeed after the longest walk since my operation!
"Afterwards, we all realised that if I never had my new foot this undulating walk would not have been possible for me and I am so grateful to Scat for sponsoring my prosthesis. I will of course continue to support Scat and give donations whenever able.
"Thank you again Trish McEntee and your wonderful team and for all the marvellous opportunities you provide for your patients."