Olivia Cork
"I was diagnosed in 2011 with a rare form of cancer known as Osteosarcoma. This cancer mainly affects teenagers and young adults.
"My diagnosis was swift, after seeing a doctor out of hours I was prescribed a course of antibiotics.A week later I had a follow up appointment with my GP. The symptoms of pain and swelling in my lower right leg had not changed and the GP sent me to the hospital for a blood test and an ultrasound. I had the blood test that night and stayed overnight at the hospital until I had the ultrasound the next morning followed by an MRI scan. Within hours of the MRI scan my mother was told of my diagnosis. I was then taken into a room with my mum, dad and my step mum, and the doctor told me the bad news.
"A few weeks later I travelled to Birmingham to have a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Just over a week after my visit I started chemotherapy treatment at Alderhey, Liverpool which lasted 11 months. After four months treatment my cancer had spread too much and the decision was made to amputate my right leg above the knee. I was absolutely devastated but had to continue with my treatment.
"After the amputation, chemotherapy continued until December when I was given the all clear and I was finally discharged from hospital. I had a new prosthetic leg fitted on my 15th birthday – a basic NHS leg and although it was enough to get me around it wasn't quite enough to keep up with my busy lifestyle. It restricted me in what I could and couldn't do and as a 15 year old I wanted to keep up with my peers and enjoy my life to the fullest.
"I had been made aware of private prosthetic legs by other young cancer amputees. One mentioned Scat, a charity that helps fund prosthetics limbs. I'd had my heart set on the best knee joint, as the Genium. Without Scat I wouldn't have been able to get this leg, it has made a massive impact on my life. I'm able to walk with ease and not be concerned that my knee would give way and make me fall. I also have less pressure on my joints which reduces the risk that I will need knee and hip replacement at a young age. My new leg allows me to keep up with my activities and peers and I even work 10 hour shifts at my local pharmacy where I stand all the time!"