31/07/2026
On 15th December 2025, Helen underwent a total knee replacement and patella repair at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. This wasn’t a straightforward knee replacement. Helen had relied on her left leg as her only weight bearing leg since she was five years old when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right leg and had to undergo an above knee amputation.
Over the years Helen has struggled with her mobility, with a car crash and a fall during pregnancy leaving lasting damage to her knee. At one point she was relearning how to walk alongside her daughter. Now she is relearning how to walk alongside her grandson.
She explains: “Given that my left leg is my only weight bearing limb, this presented a unique and highly complex rehabilitation challenge. The surgical, physiotherapy and nursing teams have provided exceptional care throughout my admission."
“Standing for the first time less than 24 hours after surgery, bearing weight solely through my operated leg, was one of the most difficult moments I have ever faced. I remember feeling a sense of shock at the intensity of it, and there were moments where I genuinely questioned how I would get through the recovery ahead. It took several attempts over a number of days and it was one of the hardest parts of my recovery."
Helen’s rehabilitation journey is still ongoing, but she is determined: “My goal is to regain as much independence as possible and return to an active role within my family, to be present, not just watching from the sidelines. Above all, I hope to one day walk hand in hand with my grandson.”
