Kelly Paddon
"When I was 15 years old I was diagnosed with cancer. I was a very sporty teenager and attended PE classes three times a week. I discovered a lump in my right shinbone and didn’t think much of it, however, although I went to the doctor to get it checked and was told it was an internal bruise, it was eventually diagnosed as bone cancer.
"I had lots of tests and a biopsy and on the 1 August 2003 I got the results, which identified a rare form of bone cancer called an Osteosarcoma. The cancer was in my right shinbone and I was told that I would need chemotherapy and an operation, but they didn’t know how severe my operation would be at that stage, but it could result in an amputation. I was stunned and upset and my mum and dad who were with me were equally shocked – that was a day I will never forget!
"My chemotherapy started on 7 August, only six days after I had been diagnosed. Everything happened very fast and after three sets of chemotherapy I had to go back in to hospital for more tests to see what operation I would need. On the 16 October 2003 I had an above knee amputation to get rid of my bone cancer. In November I had a course of another three sets of chemotherapy, finishing my last on 31 December 2003. This meant I was going into 2004 cancer free which made me delighted.
"As an amputee I don’t let things hold me back, if anything I think it drives me to do things I never would have done as an able bodied person. I am very determined and I always like to challenge myself as I think life is so short. I use my experience to raise money for The Bone Cancer Research Trust and I link this to sports. To date I have raised over £10,000 for the charity and embarked on challenges such as a five day trek around Cuba (2008) and a four day cycle from London to Paris (2012).
"I will never let my amputation hold me back, I may have to adapt the way I do things sometimes, but I will never be told I can’t do anything. Part of my ongoing challenge is fundraising for my own prosthetic limbs, and here is where I am forever grateful to all of my family and friends who continually support me in raising funds for my limbs.
"Recently Scat supported me in gaining a new prosthetic leg, which I am so grateful for. The new leg will allow me to get a new socket fitted and improve the comfort of my limb and the quality of my life.
"I really cannot thank SCT enough, because without supporters like SCT I wouldn’t be where I am today."