Sarah Lloyd
"My left leg was amputated above the knee in 2012 due to osteosarcoma in my knee. The news was devastating. I was a single mum with a four year old son and our lives changed overnight.
"Since my amputation I have struggled to participate in a lot of outdoor activities which has had a negative impact on both me and my son Oliver. Before amputation we were regularly playing in the park, walking in the forest and on nature trails, cycling and overall very active.
"I have received two NHS prosthetic legs over the last 2 years, the most advanced had a sensor knee However, the leg did seem to limit my activity and stability when attempting to pursue my previous hobbies. I am not a naturally coordinated person and have dyspraxic tendencies, so I knew I would not find mastering a prosthetic leg very easy. I wanted a leg that would allow me to regain the level of outdoor and physical activities I used to be involved in, especially with my son. I missed walking along holding his hand, something I used to take for granted before my leg amputation.
"Earlier this year Scat provided me with a higher activity limb with a microprocessor knee and I received a C leg via Dorset orthopaedic. I have also received some specialist physiotherapy support to help me use the leg which feels significantly different to my NHS leg. The most important difference is that the leg feels more stable and safe and subsequently that has increased my confidence and coordination when walking.
"The C Leg has improved my quality of life and allowed me to be more physical and active. I can now pursue my previous hobbies and interests and am more able to provide a stimulating and active childhood for my son without being dependent on others. I still have a way to go to master all the C leg functions but even in a short space of time the C Leg has made a significant difference to our lives. My son and I are both much more active and happy. Most importantly I am able to walk along hand in hand with my son and feel much more stable and able to do this now I have a C Leg.
"The confidence I have developed from using a C Leg has also given me the impetus to change my career and I will be starting an MSc in Occupational Therapy in September, as I am keen to help and work with and support other people with disabilities. I feel more confident to do this now my walking has improved.
"I would like to thank SCT for all their support and Dorset Orthopaedic for their expertise and professionalism and for giving improved freedom and independence to Oliver and me."