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Schoolgirl to have leg amputated to become athlete
Plucky Danielle Bradshaw is having her leg amputated – to pursue her dream of becoming a world-class athlete.
The 11-year-old, who was inspired by the achievements of wounded British soldiers, says she doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life “dragging her useless limb behind her”.
She said: “I saw them and it helped make my mind up. I am sick of all the operations. I just want to be a normal kid. I see people running and I want to know how that feels.”
Danielle from Hyde, Manchester, was born with congenital dislocation of both hips and her right knee. Surgeons could operate on her right leg, but she would never be able to use it.
Inspired by her dreams of winning gold medals as a Paralympian, and tired of watching her friends play without her, Danielle told her stunned parents she wanted an amputation.
They agreed and she will have the operation in August. Mum Debbie Quigley, 36, said: “When the wound heals she will be fitted with a prosthetic replacement. Friends are rallying round to raise money for a running blade and sports wheelchair.”
Danielle said: “I can’t wait for it to be done so that I can start running and training.”
Comments
4 Responses for “Schoolgirl to have leg amputated to become athlete”
All at the Douglas Bader Foundation wish you the best of luck and a successful operation, Danielle.
Perhaps we’ll see you at the next Amputee Games – a step on the way to achieving your goal of running in the Paralympics.
With your courage and positive attitude you deserve to succeed.
Please feel free to contact us any time. We’d love to hear how you get on.
Hello,
Thank you for your lovely words of support. I’m a teacher at Danielle’s school, who with the help of friends, have been able to organise a Fun Day to raise money for Danielle. It is taking place this Sunday 18th July at the Crown and Cushion Public House, Victoria Street, Newtom, Hyde, SK14 4AW. Anyone wishing to help Danielle can do so as we now have a trustee account set up in her name. It is hopeful that the money raised will help Danielle not only with a Sports Wheelchair but a running blade later on in her teenage years. I’m not sure that Danielle would have seen these kind words so I will let her know.
Many thanks,
Miss Dowse
Flowery Field Primary School
im danielles mum and would like to say thank for your kind comment danielle is doing really well and is only slowdown waiting for her prosthetic leg
You can read an interview with Danielle on what went through her mind before and after the operation and all about her guided tour of the 2010 Olympic stadium
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