Super special leg for super special girl

Bunty May Stalham was born on the 20th July 2012 20 minutes before her twin sister Esther Belle. Bunty very fair and slight - her sister dark and robust. Within a month or two, her mother and I noticed something not quite right with her left ankle. So we took her to our local Doctors. We lived in a village in Surrey, miles from the nearest hospital that we were referred to. We saw a bone specialist who assured us that it 'was quite normal in young babies' 'that the bones are still in fact growing and forming' 'that bow legs are not that uncommon in young babies'. I wasn't having any of it and demanded to be referred some one with more expertise! He told me that a consultant visits every three months, someone who would maybe no more. That she was in fact coming in the next day. 'Great!' I said. 'Sorry - she's actually booked up for her visit - you'll have to wait three months until she comes again'. Well, to put it bluntly - I did go a little 'Gangster' on him - I persuaded him to slip her file into the pile. The next day Bunty was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children. The visiting consultant was certain of what was wrong- but wouldn't confirm until the right tests were made.

After our first visit to GOSH it was confirmed that Bunty has Neurofibromatosis. This is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurofibromatosis is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.

Devastated isn't strong enough a word  for how that diagnosis made me feel..

Bunty has undergone 3 operations a year ever since then to try to save the shin bone. This year all ready she has had to major bone graft operations. He last operation just a month ago took away 4 inched of affected shin. Her foot attached to only two inches of bone from her ankle was pulled up to meet two inches of bone coming down from her knee- these were joined by pins that run through her leg from the outside.

She is the bravest little girl in the world- always full of hopes and dreams - an absolute inspiration to everyone she meets.

Just three days ago we have just had the news that all of these operations, trials and tribulations have come to nothing. All the pain and torture she has had to endure, has been a waste of time and effort. 6 years down the line we have been informed that Bunty has to have her leg amputated. She is to lose her limb. The date has been set to Mid April.

I am a leading community artist and writer. Through my charity work I always try my best to make a better world for others. I have helped hundreds of people through difficult times and circumstances. I have had a colourful life and will not deny that it's been tough. Times have been hard for me https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1G1-276951038/this-man-helped-me-put-down-the-gun-and-pick-up-the - https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2019/08/12/prison-to-pavement-project-and-exhibition-has-been-a-lifeline-for-homeless-artist-john/ 

It's now my turn to ask for help. Prosphetic legs on the NHS are good.  But Bunty is an exceptional child. I want help to get her an exceptional new leg. I have to offer her options. One where she can do all the things that any normal little girl can do. Including running, jumping,  and skipping. Bunty loves the trampoline - so that to.

I hate to ask- but with this - I need all the help I can get.

Big Love Dean and Bunty x