Nicolas Nash-Wright
"In August 2011 Nicolas, aged 14, woke during the night with severe leg pain. The next day I noticed some swelling just below his left knee. We went to our GP who decided that an x-ray was required. The x-ray was reported as being normal by the radiographer, the diagnosis being either a sporting injury or growing pains.
"Over the next few weeks the pain and swelling became worse so we returned to our GP who referred Nick for an urgent ultrasound scan. On 5th December 2011 we had the scan done. The radiographer indicated straight away that he had concerns about what he could see.
"The following day Nick had an MRI and CT scan. Our GP told us that the scans showed a form of Sarcoma involving the Tibia and surrounding tissue, but a biopsy would be required to confirm this.
"On the 19th December Nick had a biopsy at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham. We then had a 2 week wait for the result. On the 3rd January 2012 I received a phone call from Mr Simon Carter, Consultant Orthopaedic Oncologist, to confirm that Nick had Ewings Sarcoma, a form of Bone Cancer. Mr Carter explained to me that Nick would require Chemotherapy initially then limb salvage surgery to remove the tumour and replace the damaged Tibia.
"On the 15th January Nick began his Chemotherapy at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The Chemo was tough for Nick making him sick and tired but on the plus side the tumour had shrunk a little and the pain had nearly gone. After 3 cycles of chemo and more scans we received the devastating news that Nick would require an above Knee amputation to remove the tumour and ensure the best chance of cure.
"On the 3rd May 2012 Nick had his left leg amputated above the knee at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham. After the operation Nick had to have another 9 cycles of chemo.
"Nick was eventually supplied an NHS prosthetic limb. He basically had to learn to walk again whilst receiving intense physio to strengthen his core muscles. This was hard and very tiring when you consider that Nick was still receiving chemo at this time.
"The NHS leg was okay but very basic and uncomfortable. Nick would often fall and had no confidence in it at all, and had to use crutches for stability. We were told by Nick’s NHS Prosthetist that there were higher tech prostheses available but that the NHS would not fund the cost. I began to do some research myself and was lucky to make friends with Nicola Maxwell on Facebook.
"Nicola’s son Kieran also had a leg amputation as a result of Ewings Sarcoma. Nicola informed me about a charity called Scat which could possibly assist with the funding of a better leg. I therefore contacted Trish McEntee at Scat to find out if they could possibly help. Incredibly after just a short period in time Trish gave us the wonderful news that the charity would provide the funds for Nick to have a C Leg.
"Within a couple of days we were making the trip down to Dorset Orthopaedic in Ringwood to meet consultant Paul Neve. Paul made all the necessary measurements and checks and within just a few more weeks Nick was supplied with a C Leg. The C Leg has made such a big difference to Nick’s life. His walking has greatly improved and he no longer needs crutches for balance. He now has the confidence to attend school full time and also attend various sporting events, with large numbers of people present, without the fear of losing his balance and falling over. Before his diagnosis Nick enjoyed playing cricket and he now hopes to return playing in some capacity soon.
"We would like to conclude by thanking Trish McEntee, SCT and all the fundraisers for their generosity and kindness to make this possible. We would also like to thank everyone at Dorset Orthopaedic for helping Nick."