£30,000 campaign to buy bionic arms for miracle woman who had all four limbs amputated in 'one of the worst' cases of its kind

Loved ones are trying to raise £30,000 for Kathleen Maher, of Fellgate, Jarrow, who lost all four of her limbs after suffering from influenza B, double pneumonia, endocarditis and sepsis.

Kathleen was 46 and working as a legal secretary, as well as caring for her 87-year-old mother with vascular dementia, when she took ill two years ago.

After feeling unwell all week, she collapsed at home on Saturday, February 17, 2018 and was rushed to South Tyneside District Hospital.

Medics diagnosed her with influenza B, double pneumonia, endocarditis and sepsis and she was placed in an induced coma.

Doctors described her case as “one of the worst” they had ever seen and warned it was likely that she may not survive.

She was placed on numerous medications and given dialysis as her kidneys were failing, but necrosis quickly set into her hands and feet as her circulation worsened and veins began to collapse.

“Despite the severity of her illness she somehow managed to keep going,” said Kathleen’s brother, Michael Maher.

“The staff in ITU in South Tyneside were absolutely marvellous in their care and it has to be said they saved Kathleen's life.

“Her consultant at South Tyneside dubbed her his ‘little miracle’.”

On March 16, Kathleen was transferred to the ICCU at Sunderland Royal Hospital, but unfortunately her limbs could not be saved and she required amputation to prevent further infection.

She underwent two separate operations to remove both legs, six inches below the knee and then both arms below the elbow.

After just a few weeks, her kidneys began to work again and she was taken off dialysis permanently.

Kathleen, now 48, is adapting to her new life, but is limited to what she can achieve with the prosthetic limbs she has been given.

“The prosthetic limbs she has been supplied with are rudimentary and despite her courage and willingness, she struggles to use them to any great effect,” said Michael.

“Having seen the much more state of the art Hero Arms being used by other amputees, we feel that they would be hugely beneficial in providing her with a bit more independence.”

Kathleen recently found out she is a medical candidate for Open Bionics’ Hero Arms – a 3D printed bionic arm - but these come at a cost.

A Go Fund Me page set up by friend and former colleague, Kate Watson has already raised more than £11,000.

In a post on the website, Kate said: “Kathleen is quietly determined to do what she can to come back from this horrific trauma.

“We have all seen the amazing things we can do as a community to help others less fortunate than ourselves and we have the chance now to be a part of another incredible human story and give it the joyous end it deserves.”

Donate via Kate’s Go Fund Me Page

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