TEAM PROFILES & PAT'S STORY
Meet our friendly team of volunteers and members.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE. WE’RE HERE TO HELP.
If you’re thinking about asking for someone to come and speak to you on a one to one basis, the best advice we can give is, do it now.This can be the vital first step to understanding many issues and thoughts currently worrying you. Everyone who takes up this offer tells how it helped immensely in his or her recovery.
On this page you will find details of all the volunteers who are able to come and speak to you. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more.
GET IN TOUCH
“On losing my leg, the first thought’s were that
I could cope and didn’t need any help. There was no way being a burden
was an option.
On meeting Steve Rix, he helped me realise that I was wrong. Since talking to him my quality of life has improved greatly, not just for me, but my family as well. I can’t recommend enough talking to someone who understands.”
Steve Appleyard
On meeting Steve Rix, he helped me realise that I was wrong. Since talking to him my quality of life has improved greatly, not just for me, but my family as well. I can’t recommend enough talking to someone who understands.”
Steve Appleyard
Steve Rix
I’m 45 and have been happily married for 22 years (In my opinion) and have two children, a boy and girl. I became an amputee on Christmas day in 2014 after developing sepsis and had to have my right leg amputated.Shortly after arriving home, I became severely depressed and was house bound for almost a year, refusing all offers of counselling and help. Eventually, thanks to the wonderful support of my wife I began to interact again.
I finally sat down and talked to someone, which made me realise how important it was. Since then I have visited many people both in hospital and at home, to encourage them not to take the path I first did.
I’m very modest to mention this but was told it must go in my profile. I was put forward by the nurses at the hospital for the York press awards as Volunteer of the year, in which I was voted runner-up.
I’m a huge fan of Leeds United and go to see them every week. Don’t let that put you off contacting me, I’ll speak to fans of any team, well, almost any team. I also like fishing, taking the dogs out and swimming.
If you just want a chat or need some support, please get in touch. Hope to hear from you soon.
Andrea Mollan
My name is Andrea and I am 48 years old. I have 3 children, 1 grandchild and an amazing partner Andrew. As well as 2 dogs and 2 cats!My journey began in 2007 when I stumbled and broke my ankle. In the years that followed, I had numerous operations including re-breaks and reconstruction. I had xrays and further investigations which led to the agonising decision to have my right leg amputated below the knee, due to the intense pain I was experiencing. Despite this being an elective surgery, this did not make it any easier for me.
On waking from the operation, I was filled with regret, what had I done? How on earth am I going to cope? How will my family cope? But we did cope, and with the help and support from my family and Limbgo I am now living a very active lifestyle. I am a member of a swimming club which I attend twice a week as well as now being secretary for the Limbgo group.
I have goals in life that I need to achieve, and I know I will succeed because of the wonderful support from my family and friends. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and i love to bake!
Pat
My name is Pat. I retired from my job as a Health Care Assistant for a care unit within Bootham Hospital around 3 years ago. I have 2 children, 3 grandchildren and an amazing husband Andy…This is my story:
On the 31st March 2018, I was involved in a road traffic accident whilst on holiday in The Gambia. I had to have emergency surgery which unfortunately was not successful and after 6 days, I was transported back to the UK via air ambulance.
After days of discussions with both doctors and surgeons at York Hospital, I made the extremely difficult decision to have my left leg amputated below the knee.
As with any recovery, there has been both ups and downs, but things are moving forward. I have days where I am able to mobilise using just 1 stick and climb the stairs unaided.
My house is not as tidy as I would like, but I have the power and belief inside me to help me recover and tackle the jobs that I used to do without thinking.
My grandchildren have all accepted what has happened and offer support in different ways. I thought this would have been hard for them ,but they have all been great and taken it in their stride.
The support from the volunteers and members at Limbgo has been extremely beneficial to both myself and husband Andy. Adapting to a new way of living has been different but I always try to remain positive and take each day as it comes. Of course, I have days where I find it hard, but with the support I have from Limbgo and my family/friends I always get through. Andy has been my rock, and I will be forever grateful.
I have recently joined New Earswick disabled swimming club and the help and support has been wonderful. I am now able to swim unaided and I successfully swam 20 lengths on my 3rd visit to the pool.
My next goal is to conquer getting back on my new tricycle… 3 wheels and power assisted so I hope to go like the wind!
I always enjoy talking to people and try to help in anyway that I can. I would like to become a hospital volunteer to help and support others through life changing experiences.
Lynda
My name is Lynda and I am 66 years old. I am a right below the knee amputee. In March 2007 I was involved in a RTA. After 2 and a half years of operations I decided to have an elective amputation in November 2009. Two months later I got my first prosthetic leg. Of course, like many others, I have my ups and down. My family have been a great help especially since my husband died in 2014.Before the accident I worked on my brothers and husbands farm driving tractors, combines and helped with the cattle and sheep. At home I had my own sheep and was a leader at the local Boys Brigade as well as running after my 2 children.
Life has changed following the ampuation, I now live in an adaptive bungalow and drive an adapted car. I am now able to look after the gardens at home on the farm and have quite alot of animals, including Alpacas. I also work in a charity shop once a week and look after my grandchildren at least twice a week. I lead a very active lifestyle and I am always busy.
I have been a member of Limbgo since 2010. It is a great group who are friendly and supportive to amputees, families and carers. It helps to talk to people in similar situations and we are more than happy to come and visit people either in hospital or at home.