Tamara Peart is just 10-years-old but in a few months time she will lose her left leg to a rare genetic disorder.
Now her family, from Bayston Hill, has issued a poignant plea to the community and local businesses to help cover the cost of an electric wheelchair and scooter for the Longmeadow schoolgirl to use after she has an operation to amputate her leg from below the knee.
They are hoping to secure around £1,500 towards the equipment and say any donations would be appreciated.
The youngster was diagnosed with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at six-months-old and it is believed her grandmother may have also had the condition. It has left Tamara with clubfoot, fragile bones, large eyes and she also bruises easily. She has undergone four operations since her birth, including the insertion of metal pins into the bone of her leg and foot to correct the leg which has become bent because of her condition.
In October, Tamara will undergo major surgery at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital near Oswestry, which will involve surgeons cutting through her main artery and cauterising veins, before fitting a metal plate to stop the bone in her leg from growing. Because her bones are so brittle, doctors felt amputation was the only option.
It is expected Tamara will have a prosthetic limb fitted, but due to her bruising easily her family are unsure how well Tamara will adapt to it. In preparation for her return from hospital, the family are renovating the downstairs of her home to make it easier for Tamara to get around in her wheelchair and access doors and surfaces.
Meanwhile, Tamara’s school friends are planning a series of special fundraisers to help buy toys, videos and music to keep Tamara occupied while she gets used to her new leg.
Her mother Clair, 33, said an electric wheelchair would help her ‘courageous’ daughter to keep her independence.
“Tamara’s been up and down, one minute she’s fine and the next she says she wants to keep her leg,” said Clair.
“She says she just wants to be normal. She can’t go on trampolines, bouncy castles or go climbing and to get her an electric wheelchair would mean a lot.
WWe want to offer her as much normality as we can and help her to keep her independence and dignity.”
Two days before Tamara’s operation, family and friends will gather at the family’s local church, Christ Church, on Glebe Road, for Tamara’s belated christening and to celebrate her 11th birthday.
Family friend and godmother-to-be Emma Hunting said: “Tamara’s a friendly little bunny and she never lets her illness get her down, but what upsets her the most is that she still can’t wear proper shoes.”
To help the family secure an electric wheelchair and scooter contact Mrs Peart on 01743 872153.
Exclusive by Charlotte Hester
